FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D 

BEQUEATHED   BY  HIM  TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Sect!«|         ICIO^ 


mm 


v 


Vrvtw 


APR  23  1932  ' 


OF    THE 


UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST, 


BY 


HENRY  G.  SPAYTH. 


Jesus  said  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread  of  life;  he  that  cometh  to 
me,  shall  never  hunger;  and  he  that  believeth  on  me,  shall  never 
thirst. — St.  John  vi,  xxxv. 


FIRST    EDITION. 


(Cirrtoillr, 


PUBLISHED    AT    THE    CONFERENCE   OFFICE    OF    THE 
UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST. 


1851 


T  O 


THE   CHURCH  OF 

€\)t  itrateii  Sfotyrcn  in  CJrriat, 


THIS     WORK 


9b  iUsprtftilltj  Brifartrit, 

By  the  Author. 


INTRODUCTION 


That  was  a  solemn  caution  introduced  by  Paul  in 
his  letter  to  the  Hebrews,  chap.  8th,  verse  5th:  "  See," 
saith  he,  "  that  thou  make  all  things  according  to  the 
pattern  shewed  to  thee  in  the  mount." 

The  light  of  history,  in  the  past,  and  observation, 
in  the  present,  will  reveal  to  an  impartial  observer, 
how  far  the  divine  injunction,  in  the  letter  and  in  the 
spirit,  has  been  complied  with,  in  the  Churches.  In 
view  of  this,  the  author  claims  no  pre-eminence  for 
the  Church,  the  rise  and  progress  of  which  he  has 
used  his  best  efforts  to  sketch  in  the  following  pages. 
In  the  narration  of  facts  and  incidents  he  has  consul- 
ted brevity,  rather  than  extension.  The  Biographical 
Sketches  will  be  found  much  condensed,  without  doing 
violence,  to  revered  memory  and  the  tribute  of  respect 
due  to  moral  excellence,  and  the  unblemished  lives  of 
the  brethren  presented  in  this  work.  We  do  not 
pretend  that  all  are  noticed,  by  whose  instrumentality, 
ministerial  abilities,  and  usefulness,  the  Church  was 
raised.  To  notice  all,  and  in  connection  with  such 
notice,  collect  much  other  matter,  which  of  necessity 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

we  were  obliged  to  pass  over,  would  furnish  sufficient 
material  for  a  second  volume. 

The  author  has  not  been  forward  in  presenting  the 
Church  with  this  book.  The  General  Conference  held 
in  Circleville,  O.,  1845,  passed  a  resolution  requesting 
him  to  write  out  a  history  of  the  rise  and  progress  of 
the  Church.  But  from  certain  causes,  he  did  not  set 
himself  about  the  work,  until  the  fall  1848.  The 
General  Conference  held  in  Germantown,  Ohio,  1849, 
renewed  the  demand.  And  because  of  this  demand, 
and  the  urgent  solicitations  of  many  personal  friends, 
your  humble  servant  proceeded  with  the  same  ;  and 
now  by  the  aid  of  a  kind  Providence,  has  been  enabled 
to  accomplish  the  desired  task,  well  satisfied  that 
the  public,  —  friends,  and  the  Church,  will  be  disposed 
to  overlook  the  defects  of  execution.         H.  G.  S. 

Tiffin  O.  Jan.  14th,  1850. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

Civil  History —  Sacred  History — Scriptures  —  Sources  of  truth 
—  Formal  state  of  the  Church  —  Declension  of  the  Church  — 
God's  reproof  —  Causes  which  induced  our  fathers  to  settle 
this  country — Their  views  were  narrow — Religious  liberty 
restricted  —  Reformation  yet  necessary, ,..„....„....       9 

CHAPTER  II. 

Eighteenth  century  preparatory  of  events  to  be  unfolded  in  the 
nineteenth —  The  gospel  in  the  hands  of  a  living  ministry  — 
Biographic  Sketch  of  Win.  Otterbein  —  his  parentage  —  early 
life  —  education  —  ordination  to  the  ministry —  earnestness  of 
his  preaching  —  removal  to  America  —  settlement  in  Lancas- 
ter, &c,  - —  Is  fully  blessed  —  The  germ  of  the  work  to  which 
he  was  called,  appears  —  His  labors  —  Evening  meetings  — 
Opposition, , > 16 

CHAPTER  III. 

Martin  Boehm  —  parents  —  connexion  with  the  Mennonite  Soci- 
ety —  his  call  to  the  ministry,  and  conversion  given  in  his  own 
words — Removal  of  Mennonite  families  to  Va.  M.  Boehm 
goes  to  Virginia.  Converts  of  George  Whitefield —  A  case  to 
illustrate  many  —  Encouragement  received  by  Boehm  in  Va. — 
Years  of  joy  —  The  word  lost —  Boehm's  labors  enlarged  — 
The  breaking  out  of  the  war  —  Boehm  and  Otterbein  brought 
together  —  Assembly  of  christians  of  all  denominations  at  a 
great  meeting.     "  We  are  United  Brethren," 27 

CHAPTER   IV. 

William  Otterbein  in  Baltimore  organizing  a  Church  —  Church 
book  of  the  Evangelical  Reformed  Church  translated  from  the 


6  CONTENTS  . 

German  —  Faber  —  Wallauer  —  Call  of  Otterbein  —  Organi- 
zation, and  articles  of  constitution  and  discipline  —  Comment 
on  the  articles  —  No  German  Reformed  minister  could  officiate 
in  the  Church  on  Howard's  Hill  —  Similarity  botween  those 
articles,  and  the  present  discipline  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church  —  Points  insisted  on, 43 

CHAPTER  V. 

First  Conference  —  Second  Conference  —  George  Adam  Gueth- 
ing  —  character  of  his  preaching  —  his  childlike  humility  — 
persecutions  —  his  house  Otterbein's  home  when  out  of  Balti- 
more —  Christian  Newcomer  —  his  conversion  —  call  to  the 
ministry  —  acquaintance  with  Otterbein  and  Guething  —  his 
burning  zeal,  industry  and  extensive  labors  in  the  ministry,  ...     59 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Biographical  Sketch  of  John  G.  Pfrimmer  —  character  of  his 
preaching  —  his  extensive  labors —  Sketch  of  John  Neiding  — 
birth  —  baptism  —  chosen  by  lot  to  preach  —  seeks  a  clean 
heart  —  finds  experimental  salvation  —  effect  of  his  preaching 
the  doctrine  of  the  New  Birth  —  his  virtues  —  popularity  of 
his  preaching  —  his  death  —  Remarks  on  the  Biographic 
Sketches, 70 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Spread  of  the  brethren  among  the  Germans  in  Pennsylvania,  Vir- 
ginia and  Maryland  —  They  preceded  the  Methodist  —  The 
reason  Asbury  loved  Otterbein  and  the  Brethren  —  Union  of 
spirit  between  the  Methodist  and  Brethren — Conference  of  1800 

—  Adoption  of  the  name  United  Brethren  in  Christ  —  Elec- 
tion of  Superintendents  —  Many  large  meetings  held  —  Great 
manifestations  of  the  power  of  God, 79 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Conference  of  1801  —  Otterbein's  Conference  sermon  — Confer- 
ence of  1802  —  The  holding  of  great  meetings  a  new  measure 

—  Love-feasts  in  the  rise  of  the  Church  —  their  tendency  to 
unite  all  Christians  —  Some  cases  of  experience  given  —  Sacra- 
mental  occasions, 86 


CONTENTS.  7 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Conference  of  1803  —  Meeting  at  Shopps  —  Removal  west  of  the 
Allegheny  mountains —  The  power  of  the  spirit  of  God  —  The 
Brethren  Church  identified  with  a  blessed  work  of  grace  — 
Conference  of  1804  —  Sacramental  meeting  at  Antietum  — 
Doctor  Senseny  of  Virginia  and  family  —  Con.  of  1805  — 
Election  of  Bishops, 96 

CHAPTER  X. 

Review  of  an  account  of  Wm.  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm, 
which  will  be  found  in  the  Methodist  Magazine,  Vol.  VI,  p.  210 
249  —  Stating  that  it  was  furnished  at  the  special  request  of 
Bishop  Asbury  some  time  before  his  death,  by  his  friend  F. 
Hollingsworth  who  transcribed  the  bishop's  journal;  and  which 
will  also  be  found  in  the  history  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  by  Nathan  Bangs,  D.  D.,  Vol  II,  p.  365  376, 106 

CHAPTER  XL 

Friendly  correspondence  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  .   113 

CHAPTER   XII. 

Bro.  Peter  Kemp  —  his  death  —  John  Hershey  —  character  — 
death  —  Death  of  Martin  Boehm  —  Conference  of  1812  — 
Close  of  the  life  of  G.  A.  Guething, 127 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Remarks  on  the  character  of  William  Otterbein  —  he  was  no  par- 
tisan—  his  purity  —  conversation — mode  of  living  —  kindness 
to  the  poor  —  closing  scene  of  his  life  —  his  burial  —  Bishop 
Asbury's  sermon  in  Otterbein's  Church  after  his  death  —  In- 
scription on  his  tombstone, 132 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

After  the  death  of  Otterbein,  the  Pa.  Conference  supplied  the  Ot- 
terbein Church —  Attempt  to  effect  a  union  between  the  United 
Brethren  and  the  Evangelical  Association, 142 

CHAPTER  Xt. 

Discipline  —  various  efforts  to  form  and  publish  a  printed  disci- 
pline —  First  General  Conference  —  The  sky  not  entirely  clear 


8  CONTENTS. 

—  clouds  pass  away  —  Confession  of  faith  and  rules  of  disci- 
pline adopted —  Remarks  on  the  confession  of  faith  —  Remarks 
on  the  section  in  reference  to  Bishops  —  On  Secret  Societies  — 

On  Slavery, 145 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Why  have  the  United  Brethren  remained  in  a  great  measure,  un- 
known to  the  English  community  —  United  Brethren  labored 
first  among  the  Germans — Success  among  the  English —  Gen- 
eral Conference  of  1817  —  General  Conference  of  1821  —  An 
act  passed  on  Slavery  —  on  ardent  spirits  —  Election  of  Bishops 

—  John  Kline,  and  Abraham  Draksel,  . 157 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

General  Conference  of  1825  —  Questions  proposed  to  candidates 
for  the  ministry  —  Ordination  of  Bishops  omitted  —  Salary  of 
Bishops  —  Delegates  appointed  to  attend  certain  Conferences  of 
the  M.  E.  Church  —  Salary  of  preachers  —  Persecution  — 
John  G.  Prifmer  —  close  of  his  life  —  Biographical  Sketch  of 
Abraham  Mayer, 1 64 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

General  Conference  of  1829  — Presiding  Elders  to  be  elected  for 
one  year —  Close  of  the  life  of  Bishop  Newcomer —  General 
Conference  of  1833  —  Affirmation  —  The  Telescope  —  Consti- 
tution,     176 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Christian  Grosh  —  Felix  Light  —  Martin  Crider  —  Christian 
and  Abraham  Heshey  —  Christian  Berger  —  Fourney  — Ken- 
egy  — Bortsfield  —  Crum  —  Lewis  Cramer —  J.  C  McNamcr 
A.  Zeller  —  Jucob  Baulus  —  D.  Tryer  —  H.  Kumler  —  Joseph 
Hoffman  —  Concluding  Remarks —  Confession  of  faith — Con- 
stitution,      187 


HISTORY    OP    THE    CHURCH 


OF     THE 


UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST 


CHAPTER  I. 

"Civil  History  —  Sacred  History  —  Scriptures  - —  Sources  of  truth  — 
Formal  state  of  the  Church —  Declension  of  the  Church  —  God's 
reproof —  Causes  which  induced  our  fathers  to  settle  this  country — 
Their  views  were  narrow  —  Religious  liberty  restricted  —  Reform- 
ation yet  necessary. 

Civil  History,  which  in  the  main  treats  of  kingdoms, 
and  -empires  founded,  and  again  destroyed;  of  Sages, 
Statesmen,  and  Rulers,  wise  and  unwise,  virtuous  and 
vicious ;  some  ruling  with  moderation  and  justice, 
others  with  a  despotism  and  profligacy,  which  made 
the  world  groan  with  their  oppression,  and  garments 
rolled  in  blood,  —  is,  nevertheless,  sought  after,  and 
read  with  interest  and  avidity.  And  why  ?  In  it  we 
behold  clearly  the  great  and  important  truth,  that  the 
Almighty  Lord  and  Sovereign,  in  power,  in  justice, 
in  wisdom,  righteousness  and  goodness,  governs  this 
world. 

The  pages  of  Sacred  History  furnish  us  with  equaF, 
if  not  with  still  more  striking  evidences  of  the  divine 

9 


10  HISTORY    OF   THE    CHURCH    Of 

majesty  and  power,  and  show  in  a  much' clearer 
light,  the  holiness  of  his  attributes  and  character,  the 
purity  of  his  moral  law  and  government.  Sacred 
history,  both  ancient  and  modern,  abounds  with  the 
sublimest  truths,  and  the  most  indisputable  evidences 
that  God  ever  presided  in,  and  over  his  Church  and 
chosen  people  on  earth.  That  he  knoweth  all  her 
counsels  and  deliberations,  —  her  sorrows  and  her 
trials,  and  the  afflictions  which  she  has  suffered  or 
endured.  Her  pages  testify  that  his  eye  hath  followed 
her  through  all  her  mutations, —  that  his  great  mercy 
and  love  have  sustained  and  cheered  her  in  her 
onward  course.  And  does  not  the  same  history 
record  and  perpetuate  many  displays,  and  interposi- 
tions of  Divine  Providence  in  behalf  of  the  Church, 
which  stand  —  and  will  forever  stand  as  memorable 
relations  of  His  Almighty  goodness,  love  and  power? 
Nor  can  a  reflecting  mind  revert  to  them  for  a  moment, 
and  not  feel  a  sense  of  reverence  and  sacred  awe.  To 
make  a  reflection :  In  ancient  history,  see  Moses 
before  Pharaoh,  —  Elias  before  Ahab.  In  modern, 
see  Paul  before  Felix,  —  and  still  nearer,  see  Martin 
Luther  before  Charles  the  V.  How  visible,  the  invis- 
ible Divine  Presence  in  each  case. 

In  this  way  we  have  presented  unto  us,  as  models 
of  virtue  and  piety,  those  great  and  good  men,  the 
Lord  was  pleased  to  select  at  different  periods,  and  as 
chosen  vessels,  armed  with  all  the  armor  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  to  go  before  in  the 
glorious  work  of  reformation. 

The  investigation  and  dissemination  of  the  scrip- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  11 

tures  of  truth,  are  among  the  noblest  and  best  em- 
ployments of  men.  It  is  that  labor,  which  yields  a 
hundredfold;  and  to  the  great  and  incessant  dissemi- 
nations of  these  truths,  the  Protestant  Christian 
Churches  in  these  United  States  are  infinitely  indebted 
for  the  exalted  position  which  they  have  reached, 
during  the  last  half  century,  and  which  they  enjoy  at 
this  period  of  time. 

It  may  be  observed,  that  truths  may  be  gathered 
from  many  and  various  sources  ;  yet  they  are  chiefly 
derived  from,  and  found,  1st.  In  the  volume  of  in- 
spiration; 2d.  In  the  records  of  experience,  and  3d. 
In  the  volume  of  nature.  But  to  speak  of  the  last, 
would  be  foreign  to  the  present  subject.  The  records 
of  inspiration,  and  of  experience  are  so  intimately 
connected,  that  it  is  impossible  to  explain  the  one 
without 'the  other.  Between  them  there  is  a  corres- 
ponding harmony  ;  for  the  author  of  the  first,  is  the 
parent  and  ruler  of  the  second.  The  moral  laws  of 
God's  kingdom  embodied  in  the  blessed  Word,  are 
again  experimentally  written  out  in  the  hearts  of  the 
obedient. 

This  first  book — the  Scriptura  Sacra,  (Holy  Scrip- 
ture,) the  Church  may  hold  fast  to,  venerate  and  honor, 
teach  with  solemnity  and  pomp,  and  maintain  a  close 
adherence  to  the  external  rituals  which  it  imposes. 
And  yet,  according  to  the  doctrine  of  experience  as 
taught  in  the  same  book,  while  the  Church  has  a  form 
of  godliness,  she  may  want  the  power,  and  the  influ- 
ence of  that  word  which  enlightens  and  purifies  the 
hearts  and  minds  of  the  children  of  men.     Hence, 


12  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

even  in  the  absence  of  all  other  causes,  such  a'Church 
must  needs  want  a  knowledge  of  her  formal  state,  and 
if  possible,  be  brought  to  see  it,  and  to  feel  it,  in  order 
that  she  may  repent  —  retrace  her  erring  steps,  and 
again  be  made  alive  unto  God,  by  faith  and  good 
works  unto  salvation,  in  Jesus  Christ. 

"  The  very  term  reformation  is  significant."  Had 
the  Church  remained  free  from  error,  and  the  corrupt- 
ing influences  of  the  world  and  worldly  minded  men, 
she  would  never  have  stood  in  need  of  reform.  Men 
of  weak  minds,  and  of  a  still  weaker  faith,  with  a  love 
of  the  forbidden  things  of  this  world,  have  always 
been  easily  led  aside,  by  the  insidious  smiles  of  the 
deceitful  and  double  minded ;  and  the  fearful  {cowardly) 
by  the  frowns,  or  menacing  attitude  of  the  direct 
enemies  and  opposers  of  God  —  the  spread  of  right- 
eousness, holiness,  and  truth.  . 

Nor  is  this  to  be  wondered  at,  when  we  consider  the 
fallen  state  of  man,  and  the  reproof  of  Him  whose 
Omniscient  eye  is  equally  upon  all,  and  who  has  said, 
"  They  err  in  their  hearts"  Errors  in  the  heart,  may 
produce  errors  in  faith  and  practice. 

The  declension  of  the  Church,  and  the  reproof  of 
the  Spirit,  is  fully  and  awfully  written  out,  and 
portrayed  in  the  Apocalypse,  and  in  language  as 
pointed  as  it  is  humiliating  on  the  side  of  the  Church, 
or  Churches.  The  first  decline  noted  and  complained 
of, is,  a  want  of  love.  Thou  hast  left  thy  first  love. 
The  second, false  doctrine,  which  the  spirit  says,  sedu- 
ced some  to  sin  greviously.  3d.  Blinded  by  ease  and 
affluence,  they  became  proud,  and  entertained  a  high 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  13 

opinion  of  themselves,  saying,  we  need  nothing, — 
need  neither  God  nor  the  gracious  influence  of  his 
Holy  Spirit,  any  longer.  Here  the  cup  was  full,  and  a 
Church  is  exhibited  without  God,  Christ,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit;  yet  she  at  the  same  time  esteems  herself 
complete,  so  much  so,  that  she  says  —  I  am  rich,  and 
have  need  of  nothing.  And  why  nothing?  Because 
she  was  rich .  Query . — Rich  in  what?  Perhaps  rich  in 
numbers  ;  rich  in  the  costliness  of  her  temples ;  rich 
in  silver  and  gold ;  and  lastly,  perhaps  rich  in  power. 
Here  we  may  learn,  that  a  Church  may  have  much 
to  shine  and  dazzle  in  the  eye  of  the  world ;  but  what  is 
she  ?  When  weighed  in  the  balance  of  the  sanctuary, 
an  unerring  Judge  pronounces  her  to  be  1  st.  wretched; 
2d,  miserable  ;  3d,  poor;  4th,  blind,  and  5th,  naked — 
Rev.  3-17.  Here  is  the  personification  of  a  Church, 
abject,  destitute  and  afflicting  to  the  highest  degree. 
The  Shepherds  and  the  flock  alike  exhorted  and 
reproved.  And  yet  who  ?  What  Pastors  ?  What 
Church  or  people,  have  ever  acknowledged  it  as 
descriptive  of  their  moral  state  and  religious  condi- 
tion? 

Ah!  memorable  words,  "  I  have  somewhat  against 
theeV  —  "  Remember  therefore  from  whence  thou  art 
fallen,  and  repent !" 

'Tis  true,  intolerance  and  oppression,  civil  and 
ecclesiastical,  were  the  causes  which  drove  our  fore- 
fathers to  this  land,  at  a  period  when  the  passage 
across  the  mighty  ocean,  was  both  hazardous  and 
long,  and  at  a  time  when  on  reaching  this  continent, 
they  expected  to  be  met  by  the  red  man,  and  the  wild 


14  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

beast,  and  would  of  necessity  have  to  forego  many 
comforts,  and  endure  many  privations,  dangers  and 
toils.  But  these  were  sweetened  by  the  hope  of 
finding  a  home  not  overshadowed  by  the  raven  wing 
of  a  cruel  Priesthood,  nor  the  oppressive  laws  of 
bloody  Princes;  and  where  they  might  enjoy  the  wor- 
ship of  God  with  the  freedom  of  angels,  and  their 
posterity  possess  — 

"  A  land  of  corn,  and  wine,  and  oil, 
Favored  with  God's  peculiar  smile, 
With  every  blessing  blest." 

But  notwithstanding  the  fact,  that  they  had  so 
recently  fled  from  persecution  and  bondage,  and  as 
it  were,  been  brought  from  darkness  to  light,  it  would 
appear  they  entertained  no  enlarged  views  of  relig- 
ious freedom,  and  spiritual  liberty;  nor  of  an  enlarged 
christian  liberality  towards  each  other,  as  various 
Churches.  None  sought  to  make  advances  in  fellow- 
ship and  brotherly  love,  beyond  the  precincts  of 
their  own.  It  is  not  meant  here  to  show  up  the 
christian  Churches  of  that  now  distant  period,  in  an 
unfavorable  light ;  but  merely  to  afford  the  reader 
some  faint  idea,  how  creeds,  forms  and  customs, 
when  held  sacred  and  inviolate  as  they  have  been 
held  and  viewed,  and  watched  with  a  jealous  eye, 
not  only  kept  Churches  far  apart,  but  deprived  them, 
both  pastors  and  people,  of  the  sweet  enjoyments 
and  social  delights,  which  a  spirit  of  reciprocal 
friendship  will  produce,  and  which  when  cultivated 
and  felt,  gives  a  pleasing  foretaste  of  that  future 
state  of  blessedness,  reserved  for  the  righteous,  and 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  15 

which  friendship  and  love  is  so  essential  to  the 
prosperity  and  success  of  the  cause  of  God  and 
truth,  and  the  conversion  of  the  people.  * 

What  reformation  will  yet  have  to  take  place, 
in  the  christian  Church  in  general,  and  in  particular, 
until  she  is  free —  free  from  partiality  — free  from 
bigotry  and  sectarianism  — free  from  the  shackles  of 
human  creeds  and  traditions  — free  from  the  blighting 
influence  of  the  dogmas  and  cold  formalities  of  by- 
gone ages  — free  from  being  rent  and  torn  asunder 
—  "free  to  harmonize,"  to  love  and  flow  together, 
until  it  will  be  said  again  in  verity  and  in  truth,  see 
how  these  christians  love.  And  yet  we  shall  soon 
introduce  the  reader  to  the  dawn  of  a  reformation 
embracing  the  ground  work  of  the  just  named  par- 
ticulars, and  to  scenes  and  exhibitions  of  divine 
grace,  love  and  power,  manifested  in  the  conversion  of 
men,  —  the  joy  and  friendship  of  these  converts,  in 
social  and  divine  worship,  and  in  the  common  walks 
of  life,  to  a  degree  which  had  not  been  witnessed  for 
a  long  succession  of  years,  and  which  again  wrung 
the  characteristic  expression  from  a  gazing  world, 
see  !  how  these  love  ! 

*  [This  an  important  remark.  The  union  of  the  people  of  God  is 
essential  to  the  success  of  truth,  and  the  conversion  of  the  world.  The 
blessed  Jesus  in  the  awful  night  before  his  crucifixion,  in  that  solemn 
and  ever  memorable  prayer, — said:  Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone  ; 
but  for  them  also  that  shall  believe  on  me  through  their  word,  that 
they  all  may  be  one  ;  *  *  *  That  the  world  may  believe  that  thou 
hast  sent  me.]  [Ed, 


16  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER  II. 


Eighteenth  century  preparatory  of  events  to  be  unfolded  in  the  nine- 
teenth —  The  gospel  in  the  hands  of  a  living  ministry — Biographic 
Sketch  of  William  Otterbein  —  his  parentage  —  early  life  —  educa- 
tion —  ordination  to  the  ministry  —  earnestness  of  his  preaching — - 
removal  to  America — settlement  in  Lancaster,  &c,  - —  Is  fully 
blessed  —  The  germ  of  the  work  to  which  he  was  called,  appears  — 
His  labors  —  Evening  meetings  —  Opposition. 

The  eighteenth  century  was  every  way  preparatory 
of  events  to  be  more  fully  unfolded  in  the  nineteenth. 
These  events  have  signally  displayed  the  excellency 
of  the  moral  government  of  God,  in  the  exhibitions 
of  divine  grace,  and  the  great  and  glorious  results 
of  that  grace  in  its  blessed  effects  upon  the  hearts 
and  minds  of  men,  quickening  their  faith,  making 
alive  their  experience,  giving  consistency  to  their 
practice,  and  causing  the  gospel  to  be  preached,  as 
it  were  afresh  by  the  "  chosen  vessels  of  the  Lord.'' 
And  they  have  tended  to  dispel  and  roll  away  moral 
darkness  —  that  thick  and  gross  darkness,  which 
had  enshrouded  churches,  pastors  and  people  too 
long.  And  through  the  men  raised  up  and  the  means 
employed,  the  springs  of  heavenly  grace  were  open- 
ed anew,  and  additional  light  was  brought  from  the 
word,  furnishing  unerring  guides  to  ignorant  and 
benighted  minds,  leading  them  "  to  the  light  and 
wisdom  of  thejust."  Reforming  thousands  and  thou- 
sands, and  reclaiming  from  the  vices,  and  prevailing 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  17 

sinful  practices,  which  had  enchained  too  many. 
This  exhibition  of  grace,  was  the  means  of  convey- 
ing to  all  classes  of  men,  a  new  stream  of  heavenly 
light,  and  raised  up  that  host  of  living  witnesses, 
who  were  ever  ready  on  all  suitable  occasions,  to 
testify  that  God  had  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins, 
and  to  shed  his  love  abroad  in  the  hearts  of  the 
children  of  men.  The  preaching  of  the  gospel,  in 
the  hands  of  this  living  ministry,  was  attended  with 
great  power.  Indeed  no  one  could  be  an  idle,  or 
uninterested  spectator,  of  that  which  was  passing 
before  him.  Such  a  mingling  of  cries  —  of  weeping 
—  and  of  joy,  caused  a  heart  believing  in  God's 
converting  power,  to  bear  witness,  and  to  join  in 
the  Apocalyptic  exclamation:  — "  And  I  heard  as  it 
were,  the  voice  of  a  great  multitude,  and  as  the 
voice  of  many  waters,  saying  Alleluia,  the  Lord  God 
Omnipotent  reigneth." 

To  this  important  work,  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church,  was  pleased  to  call  with  others,  the  Rev. 
William  Otterbein,  and  Martin  Boehm,  the  first  an 
ordained  minister  in  the  German  Reformed  Church ; 
the  second  a  preacher  in  full  standing  in  the  Mennoite 
Society. 

William  Otterbein  was  born  in  Nassau,  Dillenburg, 
in  Germany,  March  6th,  A.  D.  1726.  His  parents 
were  eminently  pious .  Love  to  God  —  reverence  and 
obedience  to  his  holy  law  and  precepts,  were  char- 
acteristics of  the  Otterbein  family,  as  also  the  holy 
office  of  the  ministry.  A  brother  older  than  William, 
was  a  minister,  and  the  author  of  a  book  on  experi- 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

mental  and  practical  religion.  To  his  parental  train- 
ing, and  to  the  breathing  of  a  heavenly  atmosphere 
from  a  child  up,  it  is  but  just  to  trace  the  early  piety 
of  Mr.  Otterbein,  and  which  we  are  authorized  to 
say,  never  left  him ;  but  like  a  stream,  grew  deeper 
and  wider  as  life  advanced. 

The  divine  impress — "holiness  to  the  Lord,"  was 
so  strongly  marked  on  the  man,  as  to  inspire  the 
beholder  with  that  respect,  which  true  greatness,  and 
a  heart  full  of  benevolence  commands,  as  a  tribute 
of  praise  —  not,  it  is  true,  to  the  individual  who  is 
but  man,  —  but  to  Him  who  is  thus  pleased  to  set  his 
seal  on  the  brow  of  a  faithful  and  beloved  servant. 

It  was  said  of  a  certain  crowned  head,  that  the 
King  was  visible  in  him,  even  in  a  beggars  dress  — 
even  so  the  preacher,  the  man  of  God,  was  visible 
in  him  of  whom  we  speak.  He  was  one  of  those 
whose  very  lineaments  appear  to  be  illuminated,  as 
from  a  light  within;  and  whose  presence  bespeaks 
the  anointed  of  the  Lord. 

Devoted  to  the  Lord,  as  a  son,  his  parents,  in 
order  that  on  their  part  nothing  might  be  wanting, 
afforded  him  a  classical  education,  embracing  accor- 
ding to  the  rigid  rules  of  the  German  divines;  Latin, 
Greek,  Hebrew,  Philosophy  and  Divinity.  These 
being  accomplished  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  Seniors 
in  Theology,  and  in  the  Church,  he  was  admitted  to 
holy  orders,  and  solemnly  ordained  and  set  apart  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  in  the  Church  in  which  he 
had  been  brought  up. 

This  brings  us  to  the  threshhold  of  a  mostimpor- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  19 

tant  period  of  his  life;  and  we  find  Mr.  Otterbein 
making  his  first  essay  in  preaching  and  discharging 
the  duties  of  the  pastoral  office,  in  his  native  town. 
It  was  soon  seen,  that  no  ordinary  measure  of  grace 
was  committed  unto  him.  The  zeal,  the  devotion, 
the  earnestness,  with  which  he  met  these  new  duties, 
surprised  his  friends,  and  astonished  the  hearers.  In 
reproof  he  spared  neither  rank  nor  class.  His  zeal, 
his  devotion,  his  earnestness,  and  with  all  his  free- 
dom in  preaching  the  word,  was  not  without  effect. 
It  gave  room  to  censure  and  applause.  While  some 
approved  and  encouraged  the  young  preacher, 
others  would  say  —  "  No  !  —  such  a  sermon,  such 
burning  words,  and  from  so  young  a  minister  !  To 
be  reproved,  admonished,  and  exhorted  by  him, ! ! 
and  in  such  a  way  !  What  does  he  mean,  by  faith  ? 
justification  by  faith?  Does  he  mean  that  we  are 
no  christians  ?  Oh  ! ! !"  His  friends  advised  him  to 
speak  more  cautiously,  more  calmly ;  to  moderate 
his  voice,  his  fervency,  until  he  had  become  more 
exercised  in  the  pulpit ;  with  intimations  that  they 
nevertheless  loved  him  and  his  manner  of  preaching. 
This  was  especially  true  of  his  pious  mother.  Op- 
position and  clamor,  however,  had  but  a  tendency  to 
add  force  to  his  arguments,  in  directing  his  hearers 
from  a  cold  formality,  to  the  life  and  power  of  our 
holy  religion.  To  witness  the  good  impressions  this 
made  on  some,  was  encouraging.  But  with  it  came 
also  fiery  trials,  and  heavy  exercises  of  mind.  The 
high  in  power,  and  from  whose  decision  there  was 
no  earthly  appeal,  united  their  authority,  with  those 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1752 

who  felt  themselves  too  sharply  reproved,  and  dropped 
some  hints  concerning  the  danger  of  incurring  their 
displeasure,  recommending  at  the  same  time  a  more 
reserved  mode  of  preaching.  To  these  Mr.  Otter- 
bein  paid  no  attention  at  the  time ;  the  rather 
he  waxed  stronger  in  spirit  and  love  of  preaching 
Christ.  Under  preaching,  some  wept,  in  silence,  till 
he  himself  could  not  suppress  a  tear.  *  This  in- 
creased the  opposition,  and  the  authority  was  pri- 
vately solicited  to  arrest  his  preaching  for  a  season; 
"  Ah  !"  said  his  beloved  mother,  "  I  expected  this, 
and  give  you  joy.  This  place  is  too  narrow  for  you 
my  son ;  they  will  not  receive  you  here ;  you  will 
find  your  work  elsewhere."  She  was  often  heard  to 
say,  "  My  William  will  have  to  be  a  missionary,  he 
is  so  frank,  so  open,  so  natural,  so  prophet  like." 
"  But  misssionary  where  ?  To  what  land,  what 
people,  mother,  shall  I  go  ?"  Oh  !  she  would  reply, 
"  Be  patient,  preach  us  another  sermon,  —  will  wait 
the  Lord's  time."  And  it  came  sooner  than  they 
could  have  wished. 

Be  it  remembered  that  at  that  period,  the  Churches, 
i.  e.  Lutheran  and  German  Reformed,  in  this  country, 
were  nearly,  if  not  altogether  dependent,  for  a  supply 
of  preachers,  on  the  parent  country.  One  day  his 
elder  brother  received  a  pressing  solicitation  for 
help,  from  a  friend  in  this  country,  (Pennsylvania,) 
stating  the  destitution  of  ministers  here ;  and  that  the 

*  The  German  divines,  as  a  school,  had  ere  that  time  acquired  hard- 
ness of  heart  sufficient  to  enable  them  not  to  drop  a  tear  officially.  To 
them  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  is  a  tearless  theme  to  this  day.  "Jesus 
wept"  that  man  might  weep. 


1752  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  21 

people  were  in  many  places,  as  sheep  without  a 
shepherd;  and  if  possible  to  send  them  spiritual 
help,  (Geistliche  Huilfe.) 

This  was  enough.  But  to  part  from  that  mother, 
or  rather  that  mother  to  part  with  her  beloved  son, 
was  after  all  rather  too  much  for  her  maternal  heart. 
She  hastened  to  her  closet,  and  after  being  relieved 
by  tears  and  prayer,  she  came  from  her  chamber 
strengthened,  and  taking  her  William  by  the  hand, 
and  pressing  that  hand  to  her  bosom,  she  said,  "  Go, 
the  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee  —  the  Lord  cause 
his  face  to  shine  upon  thee,  and  with  much  grace 
direct  thy  steps.  On  earth  I  may  not  see  thy  face 
again,  after  we  part,  —  but  go." 

In  the  year  1752,  William  Otterbein's  ministry 
commenced  in  the  Borough  (now  City,)  of  Lancaster, 
State  of  Pennsylvania.  For  the  sake  of  order,  we 
will  take  some  brief  notice  of  the  first  years  of  his 
ministerial  labors  in  the  German  Reformed  Church, 
and  location  of  the  several  congregations  over  which 
he  assumed  the  pastoral  care. 

1st,  Lancaster;  2d,  Tulpahoeking,  Berks  Co.,  Pa. 
3d,  Fredericktown,  Maryland ;  4th,  Little  York ; 
and  5th,  in  the  city  of  Baltimore  ;  where  we  find  him 
in  the  year  1774,  organizing  a  separate  and  indepen- 
dent Church.  This  work  was  interrupted  by  the 
war,  which  broke  out  about  the  same  time  ;  but  was 
again  resumed,  and  consummated  by  adopting  a  con- 
stitution, and  disciplinary  form,  for  their  Church 
government  in  the  year  1785,  as  will  be  shown  here- 
after. 


22  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

Of  Mr.  Otterbein's  time  in  Lancaster,  little  is  now 
known,  except  from  testimony  collected  by  the  writer 
many  years  since,  from  then  yet  living  witnesses,  in 
Lancaster  and  vicinity.  Those  witnesses  in  Lan- 
caster county,  several  of  whom  were  the  fruits,  if 
not  the  very  first  fruits  of  his  gospel  labors,  gave 
evidence  to  the  distinguished  zeal  and  devotion 
which  he  manifested  in  his  Master's  work  in  that 
place.  One  of  whom  it  is  not  improper  to  introduce 
in  this  place,  viz;  Rev.  Frederick  SchaefFer,  who 
subsequently  became  a  useful  preacher,  and  who  for 
many  years,  and  to  the  close  of  his  life,  at  advanced 
age,  stood  firm  as  a  preacher  in  the  Brethren  Church. 

One  circumstance  of  Otterbein's  life  in  Lancaster, 
merits  a  special  notice  here.  It  may  well  be  con- 
ceived, and  from  what  we  have  said  of  his  early 
piety,  and  his  manner  of  preaching,  that  if  not 
already  fully  blest  with  the  pardoning  love  of  God 
when  he  came  to  this  country,  the  time  could  not  be 
distant,  when  the  Lord  would  add  to  his  seal  the 
baptismal  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  And  this  was  no 
doubt,  for  an  all-wise  purpose,  destined  to  take  place 
where  it  did,  in  Lancaster,  not  long  after  he  came  to 
that  place. 

How  strange,  yet  true :  From  this  important 
circumstance  in  his  life,  may  be  dated,  a  dissenting 
from  him,  of  some  of  his  ministerial  and  other  breth- 
ren in  the  Church,  gradually  taking  place.  And 
this  dissenting  increased  and  widened  as  time  ad- 
vanced, and  as  he  contended  earnestly,  not  so  much 
for  the  formularies  of  the  Church,   as  for  the  faith, 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  23 

the  living  justifying  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints, 
(Lcbendigen,  rechtfertigcnden  Glaubcn,  der  einmal  den 
HciUgen  vorgegeben  ist) 

From  Lancaster  we  find  him  next  in  Tulpahock- 
ing,  Berks  county,  Pa.,  where  his  field  of  labor  was 
much  enlarged;  "  and  here  it  is,  where  more  effec- 
"  tually  and  deeply  the  out  lines  and  germs,  became 
"  apparent,  and  took  root  through  his  instrumentality, 
"  and  which,  though  he  knew  it  not,  would  in  time, 
"  separate  him  from  a  Church  which  he  venerated 
"  and  loved,  and  by  the  force  of  circumstances, 
"  cause  him  with  the  assistance  and  co-operation  of 
"  Brethren  converts,  which  the  Lord  gave  him,  to 
"gather  living  stones,  which  were  in  due  time  to  be 
"built  up  into  a  Church,  to  the  living  God.     Yes." 

"  The  living  stones  shall  sing  and  rise, 
And  reach  a  City  in  the  skies, 
The  new  Jerusalem." 

Not  content  with  preaching  on  the  Sabbath  only, 
he  made  it  his  duty  between  the  Sabbath  days,  to 
visit  the  families  who  attended  his  preaching,  con- 
verse with  them  on  religion,  advise,  admonish, 
reprove  or  encourage  and  cheer,  as  circumstances 
would  demand;  and  then  to  sing  and  pray  before 
leaving  the  house.  Next  to  this,  he  would  hold 
meeting  on  evenings  in  the  week.  On  these  occa- 
sions, his  custom  was  to  read  a  portion  of  Scripture 
—  make  some  practical  remarks  on  the  same,  and 
exhort  all  present,  to  give  place  to  serious  reflections. 
He  would  then  sing  a  sacred  hymn,  and  invite  all  by 
kneeling,  to  accompany  him  in  prayer.     At  first, 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

and  for  some  time,  but  few,  if  any,  would  kneel,  and 
he  was  left  to  pray  alone.  This  item  in  the  history, 
although  small,  affords  a  glimpse  of  the  low  state 
of  religion,  and  the  moral  darkness,  united  with 
ignorance,  he  had  to  contend  with.  After  prayer, 
he  would  endeavor  to  gain  access  to  their  hearts,  by 
addressing  them  individually,  with  words  of  tender- 
ness and  love.  As  might  be  expected,  the  seed  thus 
sown  and  watered,  God  would  sooner  or  later  own 
and  bless,  and  cause  it  to  spring  up  and  bear  fruit. 

But  as  the  effects  began  to  appear  by  some  man- 
ifesting a  serious  concern  for  the  salvation  of  their 
souls,  by  weeping  and  mourning  on  account  of  their 
lost  estate,  these  special  and  new  meetings  began  to 
be  called  in  question.  Some  approved  of  them,— oth- 
ers shunned  them.  "What,"  said  they !  "The  preach- 
er, and  men  and  women,  kneel  and  pray,  and  weep, 
and  call  upon  God  and  Jesus,  to  have  mercy  on 
them  !  Who  ever  heard  of  such  a  thing  ?"  And  yet 
it  was  heard  and  seen  now  in  a  small  way,  and  by  a 
small  beginning.  Thank  God  it  was  begun.  It 
brought  blessings  from  heaven,  and  reproaches  from 
men,  including  some  preachers  and  pastors. 

That  these  meetings,  if  they  ever  had  a  place  in 
the  primitive  Churches,  which  no  christian  will  be 
willing  to  doubt  or  deny,  had  been  lost  to  the  christian 
Church,  for  many  long  years,  is  true.  And  now  they 
were  about  to  be  revived,  and  like  a  long  lost  treasure, 
restored  again,  creating  no  small  joy  and  comfort  to 
the  true  believer  in  Jesus  Christ. 

How  could  the  Protestant  Churches  and  Societies, 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  25 

have  forgotten  the  Scriptures  on  prayer?  Yet  it 
appears  they  had  forgotten  them,  or  neglected  them 
sadly.  We  said  pastors,  preachers,  and  people,  did 
not  relish  these  social  meetings  for  prayer  :  they 
viewed  them  as  an  innovation,  and  a  custom  not 
known  to  the  Churches.  In  answer  to  these  objec- 
tions, Scripture  authority  was  introduced,  some  of 
which  we  will  notice.  "  O  come  let  us  worship  and 
bow  down  —  let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord  our  Maker." 
(Psalms  95:  6.)  "  Even  them  will  I  bring  to  my  holy 
mountain,  and  make  them  joyful  in  my  house  of 
prayer ;  for  mine  house  shall  be  called  a  house  of 
prayer  for  all  people." — (Isaiah.  56:  7.)  "That  at 
the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow  ;"  "  For 
this  cause  I  bow  my  knee  unto  the  Father."  "  I  will 
therefore,  that  men  pray  everywhere."  —  (Paul.) 
"  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my 
name."  —  (Jesus:)  "Which  are  the  prayers  of  the 
saints."  —  (Rev.  5:  8.  8:  3.)  Nevertheless  this  kneel- 
ing, this  praying,  met  with  much  and  decided 
opposition,  and  from  none  more  decided  than  those 
who  from  their  office  and  calling,  should  have  given 
it  their  undivided  support. 

Reflection.  Social  and  vocal  prayer  in  the 
Churches,  and  Societies  of  christians,  —  praying  with 
the  spirit  of  meekness  and  pure  love,  will  produce 
one  of  the  strong  cords  of  the  bond  of  union,  and 
communion  of  the  saints  on  earth.  It  is  one  of  the 
connecting  links  between  the  creature  and  Creator, 
the  receiver  and  the  Benefactor,  the  Saviour  and  sav- 
ed.   It  is  the  solaceof  a  troubled  spirit,  for  it  dispels  the 

3 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

clouds  that  hang  over  us  so  frequently.  By  prayer 
the  mind  anticipates  its  future  destiny  in  peace. 
It  stimulates  to  a  life  of  virtue  and  piety,  and  to  the 
performance  of  acts  of  kindness  to  our  fellow  men. 
Social  as  well  as  private  prayer,  affords  some  of  the 
sweetest  and  best  supports,  amidst  the  trials  and 
sorrows  of  life.  In  losses,  in  bereavements,  deep, 
dark,  and  desolate;  wrealth  gone,  friends  gone,  health 
gone,  comforts  fled,  —  prayer,  sustained  by  hope,tar- 
ries  with  us,  and  affords  substantial  comfort. 

"  'Tis  the  christian's  vital  hreath, 

The  christian's  native  air ; 
His  watchword  at  the  gate  of  death, 

He  enters  Heaven  by  prayer." 

These  meetings,  with  the  sanction  of  scripture 
and  the  practice  of  primitive  Christianity,  afforded 
important  advantages  to  the  rise  and  progress  of 
this  reformation  among  the  people.  This  truth  is 
most  strongly  attested  by  witnesses  on  earth,  and 
saints  in  heaven ;  and  it  remains  yet  to  be  proven, 
whether  the  reformation  of  the  world  can  be  prose- 
cuted with  any  degree  of  success,  or  a  Church  how- 
ever well  established,  maintain  her  vitality,  continue 
a  light  to  the  world,  and  be  instrumental  in  the 
conversion  of  sinners,  in  the  absence  of  these  meet- 
ings as  secondary  means  of  grace. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  27 


CHAPTER  III. 


Martin  Boehm  —  parents  —  connexion  with  the  Mennonite  Society  — 
his  call  to  the  ministry,  and  conversion  given  in  his  own  words  — 
Removal  of  Mennonite  families  to  Va.  M,  Boehm  goes  to  Virginia. 
Converts  of  George  Whitefield —  A  case  to  illustrate  many  —  En- 
couragement received  by  Boehm  in  Va.  — Years  of  joy  —  The  word 
Ust  — Boehm's  labors  enlarged  —  The  breaking  out  of  the  war  — 
Boehm  and  Otterbein  brought  together  —  Assembly  of  christians  of 
aU  denominations  at  a  great  meeting.     "  We  are  United  Brethren." 

Before  we  proceed  to  notice  more  fully  the  provi- 
dential circumstances  under  which  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  was  eventually  formed, 
it  is  important  to  give  some  particulars  of  the  life 
and  labors  of  Brother  Martin  Boehm,  as  having 
been  one  of  the  chief  instruments  in  carrying  for- 
ward the  purpose  of  God,  in  purifying  his  Church, 
and  awakening  sinners. 

Martin  Boehm  was  born  in  Lancaster  county  Pa., 
A.  D.  1725,  of  religious  parents;  they  being  members 
of  the  Mennonite  society.  His  parents  were  pious 
and  strict  observers  of  the  rules  of  the  society  to 
which  they  belonged.  Martin  was  accordingly  rais- 
ed and  brought  up  under  the  same  religious  influ- 
ence ;  and  in  due  time,  by  baptism  and  partaking 
of  the  Lord's  supper,  was  made  a  member  of  the 
Mennonite  Church. 

Fully  contented  with  his  brethren,  and  religious 
profession,  he  lived  blameless;  that  is,  without  sinning 
knowingly  according  to  the  light  he  then  had ;  until 


28  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  175$ 

in  the  thirty- second  year  of  his  age,  a  preacher  was 
to  be  chosen  in  the  immediate  society  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
Mennonites,  that  is,  by  lot. 

The  writer  will  now  give  M.  Boebm's  own  relation 
and  as  nearly  in  his  own  words,  as  the  idiom  of 
language  will  allow  in  translating:  He  went  on  to 
say  that  when  nominated,  he  had  neither  desire  nor 
wish,  that  the  lot  might  take  him.  That  he  earn- 
estly besought  his  brethren  to  nominate  some  other 
one,  better  than  himself.  This  however,  was  not 
done,  and  the  moment  came  when  each  nominee  was 
to  step  forth,  and  take  a  book.  "  I  stepped  out  with 
trembling,  sayinginwardly,Lord  not  me.  I  am  too 
poor."  The  books  were  opened  and  the  lot  or  token 
was  his.  Believing  as  he  did,  that  this  lot  falls  by 
divine  appointment,  he  did  not  feel  himself  at  liberty 
to  dissent  or  refuse,  but  felt  constrained  to  take  upon 
himself  the  office  of  the  ministry,  as  best  he  could, 
—  (Acts  1:  26, 

"  According  to  our  usage,  it  was  not  expected  from 
me  to  preach  immediately  thereafter,  because  our 
elder  preacher  was  still  able  to  preach ;  but  it  was 
my  duty  to  assist  him  in  preaching  and  exhortation 
as  God  would  give  me  ability.  I  had  been  reading 
the  Scriptures  much,  but  now  read  them  still  more, 
and  with  care,  in  order  to  impress  their  reading  on 
my  memory,  so  that  I  might  have  something  where- 
with to  preach  or  exhort.  Sunday  came,  the  elder 
brother  preached,  and  in  attempting  to  follow  him 
by  a  word  of  exhortation,  I  failed,  although  for  some 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  29 

two  years  past,  I  had  been  giving  testimony  at  the 
close  of  the  sermons,  and  frequently  concluded  the 
meeting.  I  continued  reading.  The  next  Sabbath 
I  was  requested  to  take  part,  and  rose  up,  but  could 
say  little  or  nothing.  I  had  charged  my  mind  and 
memory,  with  some  Scripture  passages,  but  when 
wanted,  could  not  bring  them  to  my  recollection.  I 
prayed  to  the  Lord  to  assist  me  in  retaining  his  word, 
and  strengthen  me  in  my  great  weakness,  that  to 
some  extent  at  least,  I  might  answer    '  his  call.' 

"  Some  months  passed  in  this  way,  but  it  came  not. 
This  state  began  deeply  to  distress  me.  To  be  a 
preacher,  and  yet  have  nothing  to  preach,  nor  to 
say,  but  stammer  out  a  few  words,  and  then  be  obliged 
to  take  my  seat  in  shame  and  remorse!  I  had  faith 
in  prayer,  and  prayed  more  fervently.  While  thus 
engaged  in  prayer  earnestly  for  aid  to  preach,  the 
thought  rose  up  in  my  mind,  or  as  though  one  spoke 
to  me,  saying,  l  You  pray  for  grace  to  teach  others 
the  way  of  salvation,  and  you  have  not  prayed  for 
your  own  salvation.'  This  thought  or  word  did  not 
leave  me.  My  salvation  followed  me  wherever  I 
went.  I  felt  constrained  to  pray  for  myself,  and 
while  praying  for  myself,  my  mind  became  alarmed. 
I  felt  and  saw  myself  a  poor  sinner.  I  was  lost. 
My  agony  became  great.  I  was  ploughing  in  the 
field,  and  kneeled  down  at  each  end  of  the  furrow, 
to  pray.  The  word  lost,  lost,  (verloh?*en,)  went  every 
round  with  me.  Midway  in  the  field  I  could  go  no 
further,  but  sank  behind  the  plough,  crying,  Lord 
save,  I  am  lost !  —  and  again  the  thought  or  voice 


30*  HISTORY    Of    THE    CHURCH    OF  £758' 

said,  '  I  am  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  is 
lost.'  In  a  moment  a  stream  of  joy  was  poured 
over  me.  I  praised  the  Lord,  and  left  the  field,  and 
told  my  companion  what  joy  I  felt. 

"•  As  before  this,  I  wished  the  Sabbath  far  off,  now  I 
wished  it  was  to-morrow.  Sunday  came:  the  elder 
brother  preached,  I  rose  to  tell  my  experience, 
since  my  call  to  the  ministry.  When  speaking 
of  my  lost  estate,  and  agony  of  mind,  some  began 
to  weep  in  the  congregation.  This  gave  me  en>~ 
couragement  to  speak  of  our  fall  and  lost  condition, 
and  of  repentance.  The  Sabbath  following  it  was 
the  same,  and  much  more.  Before  I  was  done,  I 
found  myself  in  the  midst  of  the  congregation, 
where  some  were- weeping  aloud  * 

"  This  caused  considerable  commotion  in  our 
Church,  as  well  as  among  the  people  generally.  It 
was  all  new;  none  of  us  had  heard  or  seen  it  before, 
A  new  creation  appeared  to  rise  up  before  me,  and 
around  me.  Now  Scripture,  before  mysterious,  and 
Mke  a  dead  letter  to  me,  was  plain  of  interpretation, 
'was  all  spirit,  all  life,'  (alles geist und  leben.) 

"  Like  a  dream,  old  things  had  passed  away,  and  it 
seemed  as  if  I  had  awoke  to  new  life,  new  thoughts, 
new  faith,  new  love.  I  rejoiced  and  praised  God 
with  my  whole  heart.  This  joy,  this  faith,  this  love, 
I  wished  to  communicate  to  those  around  me,  but 
when  speaking  thereof,  in  public  or  in  private,  it 
made  different  impressions  on  different  persons. 
Some  gave  a  mourful  look,  some  sighed  and  wept, 
and  would  say,    '  Oh  !  Martin,  are  we  indeed  lost? 


1761  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  31 

"  Yes,  man  (dermensch,)  is  lost !  Christ  will  never 
find  us,  till  we  know  that  we  are  lost.  My  wife  was 
the  next  lost  sinner  that  felt  the  same  joy,  the  same 
love." 

It  was  a  rich  treat,  to  hear  this  father  in  Israel,  tell 
of  his  call  to  the  ministry;  how  he  shrank  from  it 
when  proposed,  and  how  it  resulted  in  his  finding 
Jesus,  the  lost  sinners'  friend,  and  the  joy  he  felt 
when  the  burden  of  sin  was  taken  away.  Of  this 
he  loved  to  speak  in  his  old  age,  and  would  recur  to 
it  with  an  animation  peculiar  to  himself.  To  see 
his  eyes  light  up  and  his  whole  countenance  assume 
for  the  time  a  youthful  appearance,  in  contrast  with 
his  snowy  locks,  and  rich  white  beard,  was  a 
sight,  a  pen  dipt  in  liquid  light  could  not  describe  : 
it  had  to  be  seen  to  be  appreciated.  "  Now  I  am,"  he 
would  say, "  a  servant  and  a  child  of  God.  When  this 
took  place,  I  knew  of  no  one  who  had  felt,  and  enjoy- 
ed the  sweet  influence  of  the  love  of  God  in  the  heart, 
but  Nancy  Keagy,  my  mother's  sister.  In  our  fam- 
ily connection  and  in  her  immediate  neighborhood, 
she  was  known  as  a  very  pious  woman,  and  she  was 
pious."  This  is  the  Martin  Boehm,  chosen  of  God, 
to  whom,  second  to  William  Otterbein,the  rise  of  the 
United  Brethren  Church  is  justly  due. 

M.  Boehm's  call  to  the  ministry,  and  his  conver- 
sion soon  after,  took  place  in  the  year  1758. 

From  the  year  1750,  to  1760,  numerous  Mennonite 
families  removed  from  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  to 
what  was  then  called  New  Virginia,  and  dispersed 
themselves  through   Frederick,  Shenandoah,  Rock- 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1761 

ingham,  and  Augusta  counties.  Owing  to  their 
dispersed  state,  and  the  newness  of  the  settlements, 
they  were  destitute  of  preaching  generally,  and  par- 
ticularly of  their  own  choice.  Of  this  they  had 
little  but  what  was  afforded  by  preachers  visiting 
them  from  the  State  of  Pennsylvania.  In  the  year 
1761,  brother  M.  Boehm  was  called  to  Virginia,  by 
some  of  his  Mennonite  brethren,  who  resided  there. 
But  previous  to  his  being  called  to  that  place,  some 
converts  of  the  eminent  George  Whitefield  had 
reached  New  Virginia,  and  commenced  preach- 
ing a  present  salvation.  With  others,  some  mem- 
bers of  the  Mennonite  families  became  seriously 
affected,  through  the  preaching  of  these  "  new- 
lights,"  so  called  for  the  want  of  a  name. 

Now  here  the  Germans  were  in  a  dilemma,  which 
in  their  opinion,  and  according  to  the  light  they  had, 
required  the  presence  and  advice  of  those  in  whom 
they  had  confidence,  that  is,  their  own  preachers. 
Hence  the  call  of  Martin  Boehm  at  this  particular 
time.  To  illustrate,  we  will  select  a  case  which  will 
answer  in  place  of  many,  characteristic  of  the 
state  and  views  of  religion  among  the  Germans  at 
that  period. 

The  daughter  of  a  brother  Keller  had  become 
much  affected,  by  hearing  the  "  new  lights1'  preach 
on  one  or  two  occasions.  There  in  that  house  of 
Bro.  K.'s  you  see  a  young  person  apparently  in 
deep  distress,  although  surrounded  by  kind  parents, 
neighbors,  and  friends,  who  in  their  turn,  endeavor 


1761  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  33 

by  words  and  arguments,  to  cheer,  chide,  or  laugh 
the  mourner  into  a  pleasant  mood. 

"  Well,"  said  the  kind  father,  for  he  was  in  his 
way  of  thinking  a  good  man,  and  a  good  christian 
in  the  Mennonite  sense  of  the  word,  "  well  my  child, 
what  ails  you  ?  Are  you  sick  ?  Do  you  wish  to  have 
a  physician? 

"  No,  dear  father,  no  doctor,  my  heart  is  sick." 

"  Say  not  so,  your  heart  is  not  sick." 

"  O  my  heart,  my  heart  is  sick.  God  is  displeased 
with  me.     O  my  father  what  shall  I  do.     I  am  lost!" 

This  agony  of  mind,  distressed  the  good  parents 
much  ;  but  how  the  daughter  should  be  sick  at  heart 
—  why  God  should  be  displeased  with  their  child, 
and  why  or  how  this  dear  daughter  could  be  lost, 
was  in  no  way  clear  to  them.  Yet  evidently  she 
was  suffering  not  unlike  a  criminal  about  to  be  de- 
livered into  the  hands  of  justice,  crying  for  mercy, 
often  saying,  "  O  is  there  no  mercy  for  me  ?"  The 
best  and  the  only  reply  she  received  was,  "  you  are 
not  lost.  God  loves  you.  Mercy  —  what  do  you 
mean  by  mercy  ?  You  are  not  wicked  —  never 
was.  You  are  a  believer.  Come  now,  no  more 
crying.     Why  ?     Wherefore  do  you  weep  ?" 

This  was  repeated  to  her  so  often,  that  she  finally 
sat  in  silence,  and  the  fountain  of  tears  either  be- 
came exhausted,  or  refused  to  come  to  her  relief. 
No  one  came  to  pray  with  her,  and  direct  her  mind 
to  the  blessed  Saviour. 

At  this  crisis  Boehm  arrived.  After  salutations 
had  passed,  and  refreshments  taken,  Boehm  in  con- 


34  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1761 

versation  with  Keller,  inquired  how  matters  stood  in 
religion.  K.  replied,  "  Most  of  us  are  doing  well, 
but  some  new  doctrine  has  of  late  been  preached  by 
men  here  about,  which  has  caused  some  disturb- 
ance among  us." 

"  And  what  do  those  men  preach  ?" 

"  What  they  preach  is  rather  more  than  I  can  tell 
you,  but  it  is  different  from  what  we  have  ever 
heard.  Our  daughter  about  two  months  since,  was 
to  their  meeting,  and  has  not  been  like  herself 
since. 

"  And  for  two  months  she  has  been  to  no  preach- 
ing?" 

"  No,  we  could  not  think  of  letting  her  go,  and  have 
wished  she  had  never  heard  those  people.  And  as 
we  have  wrote  to  you,  there  are  others  of  our  people 
just  like  her,  melancholy  and  dejected,  and  all  we 
can  get  them  to  say  is,  we  are  lost,  (verlohren,)  we 
have  no  true  religion  ;  and  for  this  reason  we  have 
sent  for  you,  believing  that  they  would  be  advised 
by  our  own  preachers,  and  dismiss  their  gloomy 
thoughts." 

"  And  where  is  that  daughter  of  yours  ?" 

"  Why,"  answered  the  mother,  "  there  you  see  she 
is,  and  has  not  spoken  a  word  to  any  of  us  to-day." 

Boehm  said,  he  now  moved  his  chair  by  her  side, 
and  sought  to  draw  from  herself  the  state  and  exer- 
cises of  her  mind.  She  listened  to  him  for  some  time 
in  silence,  breathing  at  intervals  a  deep  sigh.  Soon 
the  fountain  of  her  tears  was  opened  again,  and  she 
began   to  weep  aloud,  saying  is  it  possible,  you  a 


1761  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  35 

stranger,  know  what  I  have  felt  and  suffered  for 
weeks,  and  you  believe  that  I  am  a  sinner,  that  I  am 
lost? 

"  Yes,  I  know  this  my  daughter,  but  I  know  Jesus 
eame  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which  is  lost;  and  he 
is  come  to  find  you,  and  to  save  you  to  night  yet. 
Do  you  believe  in  Jesus  ?" 

"  Yes  I  believe  there  is  Jesus  Christ ;  but  have  I 
not  offended  him  ?  Will  he  not  come  and  judge  the 
world  and  me  ?     Oh  that  he  would  but  save  me  !" 

"  Come,"  said  Boehm,  "  we  will  kneel  down  and 
pray.  They  kneeled  down.  The  agony  of  Miss  K.r 
was  great.     She  "  cried,  Lord  save  or  I  perish  !" 

"  Yes,"  said  B.,  "hold  to  that,  he  will  save,  and 
that  speedily;"  and  so  it  was.  She  was  blest,  and  all 
her  sorrow  was  gone,  — dissolved  in  joy. 

Seeing  this,  her  mother  cried  out,  "  Martin,  Martini 
what  have  you  done  ?  why  did  you  come  ?  what  will 
become  of  us  now?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  her  husband,  "  what  will  become  of 
us?     We  too  are  lost !" 

That  night  was  a  night  of  mourning,  and  a  night 
of  joy  for  that  house ,  for  the  morning  light  found 
them  all  rejoicing  in  the  love  of  God!  This  scene 
proved  a  great  blessing  to  Bro.  Boehm.  Before  he 
left  Virginia,  many  more  were  brought  under  the 
saving  influence  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  And 
thus  the  families  speaking  the  German  language  in 
that  valley,  saw  the  dawn  of  that  light,  which  since 
then,  and  to  this  day,  1850,  has  shone  with  a  pecu- 
liar splendor  upon  the  people  at  large  in  that  happy 


36  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1761 

region,  from  whence  a  cloud  of  witnesses  has  already 
passed  into  happier  climes. 

The  author  himself  was  favored  to  spend  a  few 
happy  years  in  that  charming  part  of  the  great  State 
of  Virginia.  A  land  rich  in  the  productions  of  the 
earth,  but  more  eminently  rich  in  much  that  is  great 
and  good  in  the  moral,  social,  and  religious  relations 
combined.  From  the  Point  of  Rocks,  to  the  Natural 
Bridge,  has  been  formed  a  spanning  arch-way,  of 
spiritual  heroes,  and  illustrious  saints.  This  arch 
being  one  in  continuation  of  many  ;  and  the  ever  to 
be  remembered  camp-meetings  held  under  that  bril- 
liant arch,  sending  upward  from  thousand  hearts 
and  voices,  the  hymning  praises  of  our  great  Re- 
deemer, and  from  whence  as  many  more  have  dated 
their  heavenly  birth-right:  and  behold,  and  see,  still 
they  come  ! !  To  cast  back  a  look  to  the  place 
whence  we  started,  to  that  home  of  a  single  mourn- 
er, who  for  about  sixty  days,  was  left  to  mourn  her 
lost  estate,  ere  she  received  the  blessing  !  What  a 
contrast,  the  present  with  the  past !  My  reader  can 
you  span  it?  0!!  Virginia,  what  hath  not  God 
wrought  and  done  for  thee! 

To  return  to  Boehm  in  Virginia  where  we  left  him, 
How  providential,  how  wisely  arranged  are  all  things 
which  God  arranges  and  plans.  Had  Boehm  came 
sooner,  he  would  not  have  found  so  many  hearts  pre- 
pared to  hear  and  receive  the  word  of  life  from  him. 
Had  his  coming  been  delayed,  the  help  might  have 
come  to  some  at  least,  too  late. 

And  as  before  remarked,  this  coming  of  his,  at 


1761  THE    UNITEI>    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  3^ 

this  time,  was  of  great  importance  to  himself;  it 
was  learning  a  lesson  of  experience  from  the  great 
Master,  which  he  could  not  so  soon  nor  so  effectually 
have  learned  at  home.  Hence  we  can  well  fancy 
with  what  feelings,  with  what  inspired  thoughts  and 
hopes  he  returned  to  his  own.  Timidity,  and  the 
fear  of  offending  his  elder  brethren,  he  said,  was 
much  removed.  He  was  confirmed  in  the  truth  and 
correctness  of  his  own  experience.  He  became  sat- 
isfied that  men  everywhere  must  repent,  and  that 
this  repentance  must  be  accompanied  by  a  godly 
sorrow,  deeply  felt;  and  that  there  can  be  no  rest, 
no  peace,  no  hope,  and  no  faith,  without  it.  He 
further  remarked  with  much  earnestness,  that  after 
his  return,  he  felt  "  an  impression,  or  a  presentiment 
that  God  would  visit  his  people,  and  give  them  re- 
pentance unto  life."  He  had  news  to  tell  his  friends 
at  home,  of  what  he  had  witnessed  in  Virginia;  that 
there  too,  he  found  and  saw  persons,  some  young, 
and  some  advanced  in  life,  who  felt  themselves  losty 
some  of  whom  had  nearly  despaired  of  obtaining 
grace  and  mercy,  believing  themselves  the  chief  of 
sinners;  that  many  had  been  blest,  and  rejoiced  in 
Jesus  Christ  their  Saviour,  before  he  left.  He  could 
tell  them  how  affecting  their  parting  was,  —  what 
sympathy,  what  brotherly  love,  what  melting  of 
hearts  !  He  never  had  witnessed  such  scenes  in  his 
life  before,  —  the  simple  relation  of  which  carried 
convicted  to  some  at  the  time  of  his  return  home. 

This  year  as  well  as  the  two  years  following,  were 
years  of  joy  to  Bro.  Boehm,  while  preaching  repen- 


38  HISTORY    OF    THE   CHURCH  OF  1764 

tance  in  the  spirit,  and  from  experience.  God  was 
with  him,  and  he  did  not  preach  without  effect.  The 
Spirit  accompanied  the  word  with  power.  Pungent 
convictions  extorted  the  cry,  lost,  which  were  fol- 
lowed by  happy  conversions. 

Sabbath  preaching  was  not  sufficient  now  to  sup- 
ply the  wants  of  the  many  who  were  inquiring,  — 
M  What  must  we  do  ?"  Hence  meetings  began  to 
be  held  on  week  days,  and  some  by  candle-light. 
This  was  another  step  towards  the  great  reformation; 
and  here  we  remark  as  we  pass,  the  similarity  and  like- 
ness of  the  manner  in  which  Otterbein  and  Boehm 
were  led  on  by  the  spirit,  and  providential  circumstan- 
ces as  they  presented  themselves  ;  and  how  each  laid 
hold  of  those  circumstances  to  promote  the  cause  of 
God,  and  meet  the  wants  of  the  people,  who  thirst- 
ed for  salvation,  and  a  deliverance  from  bondage, 
and  from  sin ! 

The  better  to  satisfy  our  own  minds  of  the  events 
of  the  past,  it  is  not  sufficient  simply  to  trace  them 
historically,  nor  view  them  by  the  light  and  experi- 
ence which  we  now  possess.  In  order  to  see  them 
as  they  were,  to  know  the  prominent  actors  in  these 
events,  we  must  transfuse  the  shade  and  light,  and  the 
zeal  of  the  minds  of  those  men  into  our  own.  By 
doing  this,  we  may  realize  their  position,  and  thus 
while  we  read,  be  moved  to  make  their  thoughts, 
words,  and  actions,  our  own.  If  so,  we  can  enter 
into  the  feelings  and  expressions,  as  they  actually 
did  occur,  in  relation  to  the  past.  Boehm  himself, 
and  the  persons  who  through  his  instrumentality  were 


1764  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  39 

blessed,  had  been  brought  to  feel  and  know  that 
they  were  without  hope,  and  without  God  in  the 
world.  And  as  remarked  before,  and  will  be  here- 
after, "  This  was  something  new."  Not  one  of 
them  had  heard  it,  nor  seen  it  in  their  lives  before, 
neither  in  their  Church  nor  out  of  it.  To  the  distressed, 
whose  conviction,  remorse,  the  sense  of  guilt  and 
condemnation  was  neither  transient  nor  light; 
those  portions  of  Scripture  which  are  threatening 
and  condemnatory,  seemed  to  rise  up  in  array  before 
them ;  the  recollections  of  the  past  embittered  the 
present ;  and  the  present  cast  a  shade  of  dismay  on 
the  future  with  light  enough  to  enable  the  mind  to 
survey  her  dangerous  position,  "  behind  an  abyss," 
"  before  the  Judge  !"  Do  we  wonder  then  at  the 
word  lost  ?  An  exclamation  not  much  heard  at 
present  from  the  penitent.  It  was  the  word  suitable 
to  the  sinner's  case,  and  peculiarly  suited  to  the 
time,  to  the  benighted  state,  and  to  the  sleep,  the 
deep  sleep,  which  the  people  without  exception, 
slept.  What  more  appropriate,  more  startling,  than 
to  hear  a  person  in  an  agony  of  soul,  and  eyes  suffu- 
sed with  tears,  cry  lost !  lost! !  The  time  which 
many  had  to  mourn,  deserves  likewise  to  be  no- 
ticed. As  in  the  case  of  Miss  Keller,  if  awakened 
by  the  preaching  of  the  word,  the  opportunity  to 
hear  again,  like  angels  visits,  however  good,  were 
few  and  far  between.  Hence  the  want  of  a  proper 
guide.  Friends  and  neighbors,  kind  in  themselves 
in  these  cases,  frequently  proved  the  tormentors  of 
the  distressed,  for  they  having  no  religious  experi- 


40  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1764 

ence,  believed  in  none.  Yet  beyond  a  doubt,  there 
was  still  another  cause.  The  Dispenser  of  all  our 
blessings,  knows  when,  and  how  to  give.  The  bless- 
ing lightly  obtained,  might  not  in  all  cases  have 
been  satisfactory  to  the  recipients,  and  might  have  left 
room  for  the  tempter  to  perplex  the  mind,  as  to 
whether  indeed  they  had  passed  from  death  unto 
life.  But  in  these  cases,  the  work  was  so  clear,  that 
the  inexperienced  and  unbelieving,  were  constrained 
to  admit  that  it  was  the  work  of  God. 

Here  is  a  person  well  known  in  society,  of  a 
cheerful  disposition,  and  a  happy  temper,  as  to  re- 
ligion, holding  it  in  light  esteem:  this  person  becomes 
alarmed,  is  serious,  and  dejected,  hiding  himself  to 
pray,  — lay  the  pleasures,  riches  and  honors  of  the 
world  at  his  feet,  —  he  refuses,  he  loathes  them  all. 
This  the  people  must  see,  must  know;  time  must  be 
afforded  them,  to  make  trial  of  their  skill  in  healing 
the  wounded  spirit,  and  to  sound  the  depth  of  that 
sorrow,  that  dejection,  that  refusing  to  be  comforted 
by  any  gift  of  man.  "  Lord  save,  or  I  perish."  Such 
an  one  now,  full  of  joy  praising  God.  Such  is  the 
testimony  of  prophecy,  such  are  the  witnesses  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

From  this  time  brother  Boehm  pursued  the  tenor 
of  his  way,  preaching  the  gospel,  and  enlarging  his 
labors,  as  much  as  the  circumstances  with  which  he 
wa3  surrounded,  and  his  situation  in  life  would  per- 
mit. But  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1775,  em- 
barrassed, and  hindered  the  spread  and  progress  of 
this  well  begun  work.     The  public  mind  becoming 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  41 

much  agitated  and  absorbed  in  the  events  of  the 
war,  enhanced  by  the  sufferings  and  privations 
which  our  soldiers  and  people  had  to  endure,  the 
long  time  this  conflict,  these  sufferings  lasted,  the 
cruelty  practised  by  the  foreign  foe,  prostrated  the 
energies  of  the  people  to  a  great  extent. 

It  was  deemed  best  not  to  interrupt  the  Biography 
of  Boehm,  after  it  was  commenced,  up  to  this  period. 
We  find  ourselves  now  at  liberty  to  return  to  brother 
W.  Otterbein. 

But  first,  we  will  bring  Boehm  and  Otterbein 
together.  A  great  meeting  (g?~osze  versammlung,)  had 
been  appointed  to  be  held  at  Bro.  Isaac  Longs, 
Lancaster  county,  Pa.  Here  perhaps  for  the  first 
time  on  a  like  occasion,  an  assembly  of  christians 
met  together  from  far  and  near, —  Lutherans,  Ger- 
man Reformed,  Mennonites,  Dunkers  and  others, 
coming  as  with  one  accord,  and  with  one  mind. 
Many  were  thus  for  the  first  time,  happily  brought 
together.  Bro.  Boehm  was  a  man  of  small  stature, 
wearing  his  beard  long,  and  was  dressed  in  the  true 
costume  of  a  Mennonite.  Wm.  Otterbein  was  a 
large  man,  showing  a  prominent  forehead,  on  which 
one  might  see  the  seal  of  the  Lord  impressed. 
Boehm  preached  the  first  sermon,  at  the  close  of 
which,  and  before  he  had  time  to  take  his  seat,  Otter- 
bein rose  up,  and  folding  Boehm  in  his  arms,  said 
with  a  loud  voice,  "  We  are  brethren."  At  this 
sight  some  praised  God  aloud,  but  most  of  the 
congregation  gave  place  to  their  feelings  —  weeping 
for  joy.     This  meeting,  and  the   peculiar  circum- 

4 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

stances  attending  it  under  the  harmonizing  influence 
of  the  divine  spirit,  which  operated  so  wonderfully 
in  uniting  a  people  of  so  many  pre-existing  orders, 
in  one  common  bond  of  brotherhood  under  the  Great 
Head  of  the  Church,  free  from  party  strife  and 
feeling,  gave  rise  to  the  name  of  "  United  Brethren 
in  Christ"  a  name  which  the  Church  some  time 
after,  thought  proper  to  adopt.  * 

The  great  meetings,  so  called  at  the  time,  will  be 
more  fully  noticed  as  we  progress. 

*[This  event  in  the  rise  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  has  been  noticed  by  the  author  in  the  Appendix  written  for 
the  He  Pasa  Ekklesia,  published  by  Clyde  and  Williams,  Harrisburg, 
Pa.,  and  subsequently  republished  by  the  Rev.  John  Winebrenner.  In 
each  a  typographical  error  occurs  in  the  name  of  the  author.  H.  G. 
JSpoytk,  should  read,  H.  G.  Spayth. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRTST.  43 


CHAPTER  IV. 


William  Otterbein  in  Baltimore  organizing  a  Church  — Church  book 
of  the  Evangelical  Reformed  Church  translated  from  the  German — 
Faber, — Wallauer — Call  of  Otterbein  —  Organization,  and  articles 
■of  constitution  and  discipline  —  Comment  on  the  articles  —  No 
German  Reformed  minister  could  officiate  in  the  Church  on  Howard's 
Hill  —  Similarity  between  those  articles,  and  the  present  discipline 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church  —  Points  insisted  on. 

In  the  year  1774,  as  already  noticed,  we  find  Wm. 
Otterbein  in  the  City  of  Baltimore,  organizing  ,a 
Church,  separate  and  apart,  in  doctrine  and  discipli- 
nary rules  from  the  German  Reformed  Church,  as 
will  appear  from  what  follows  : 

Translated/ro?n  the  original  German  manuscript. 

THE  CHURCH  BOOK  OF  THE  EVANGELICAL  REFORMED 
CHURCH. 

Howard's  Hill,  Baltimore. 

IN   THE    NAME    OF    THE    TRIUNE    GOD:    AMEN. 

In  the  year  1771,  there  stood  in  the  Reformed 
Church  in  Baltimore,  a  preacher  by  the  name  of 
Faber;  but  for  as  much  as  said  Faber,  not  being  in 
fellowship  with  the  Reformed  preachers  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, i.  e.  he  was  no  member  of  the  Coetu  Penn- 
sylvanu,  and  likewise  led  an  offensive  life,  a  division 
took  place  in  this  Church.  In  the  month  of  October 
of  said  year,  met  the  said  Reformed  preacher  in 
Reading,  Pa.,  where  deputies  from  both  parties  of 
this  divided  Church  attended ;  here  it  was  resolved  to 


44  HISTORY    OF    THE-  CHURCH    OF 

dismiss  said  Faber,  which  was  done.     Both  parties1 
agreed  now  unitedly  to  call  a  preacher  from   the 
Coetus,  and  offer  this  call  to  Mr.  Bluhmer,  but   not 
accepted  by  him.     The  Coetus  now  resolved  to  send 
to  the  Baltimore  Church,  a  preacher  from  among  the 
four,  which  at  that  time,  according  to  letters  from 
Holland,  were  on  their  way,  and  now  daily  expected. 
In  the  mean  time,  there  came  to  Pennsylvania  W. 
Wallauer,  but  whom  the  Synod  of  Holland  had  not 
sent.     The  opposite  party,  without  saying  a  word  to 
the  other  party,  contrary  to  the  agreement  and  the 
resolve  of  the    Coetus,  brought  him  away,  and  re- 
ceived  him   as   their  preacher.     But   at   the   next 
Goetus,  which  was  held  in  the  year  1772,  deputies 
from  both  parties  attended ;  and  the  Coetus  protes- 
ted against  Wallauer,  and  the  conduct  of  his  party, 
and  that  they  could  take  no  further  notice  of  them. 
Scarcely  any  hope  being  now  left   for  a  re-unionr 
the  remaining  members  of  this  Church,  found  them- 
selves under  the  necessity  to   consider  of   another 
preacher,   and  to  form  a   Church    for  themselves. 
This  call  was  made  to  William  Otterbein,  who  then 
stood  in  the  Reformed  Church  in  York ;  but  he  refu- 
sed because  of  the  disorganized  circumstances;  but 
after  repeated  solicitations,  was  willing,  provided  the 
Coetus  should  give  consent.     At  the  next  Coetus, 
deputies   from  both   parties    appeared  again,    and 
before  a  final  action  in  the  matter  with  Otterbein,  a 
union  took  place,  and  William  Hendel  proposed  as 
preacher,  to  which  the  deputies  of  both  parties  con- 
sented.    But  a  few  days  after  the  return  home  of  the 


1774  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  45 

deputies,  the  opposite  party  rejected  the  proposition 
and  all,  to  which  their  deputies  had  pledged  them- 
selves. The  division  was  now  greater  than  at  any 
former  period,  and  the  prospect  of  a  re-union  entire- 
ly vanished,  and  the  members  of  this  Church,  who 
had  before  addressed  Wm,  Otterbein,  saw  the  abso- 
lute necessity  to  form  a  Church  for  themselves,  and 
give  W.  Otterbein  a  new  call,  which  he  finally  accep- 
ted, and  subsequently  in  the  year  1775 by  the  Coetus 
held  in  Lebanon,  confirmed.     Article  14. 

After  due  consideration,  the  Coetus  deems  it  prop- 
er, (good,)  that  Domine  Otterbein  continue  in  his 
pastoral  office;  from  report,  it  appears  that  his 
labors  are  blest,  and  the  opposing  party  cease  the 
strife. 

CONRAD  BUCHER,  Sec.  Pro  Tern, 


CHURCH    BOOK. 

William  Otterbein  came  to  Baltimore,  May  4th, 
1774,  and  commenced  his  ministerial  office.  With- 
out delay,  and  by  the  help  of  God,  he  began  to 
organize  a  Church,  and  as  far  as  it  was  possible  for 
him,  to  bring  it  within  the  letter  and  the  spirit  of  the 
gospel.  Such  disciplinary  Church  rules  as  were 
needful,  were  therefore  from  time  to  time  adopted, 
made  known,  and  the  importance  of  keeping  them 
earnestly  enjoined. 

But  the  afflicting  and  long  continued  war,  and  the 
.dispersion  on  account  of  the  same  of  many  of  its 
members  into  the  interior  of  the  country,  prevented 


4&  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1785 

those  rules  from  being  written  in  a  book  for  their 
preservation. 

But  through,  and  by  the  goodness  of  God,  peace 
and  quietness  being  restored,  and  the  gathering  to- 
gether of  former  members,  with  a  considerable  addi- 
tion of  new  members,  the  Church  finds  herself  at  this 
time,  considerably  increased.  Therefore  it  is  unani- 
mously considered  and  ordained  by  the  whole  Church, 
to  bring  the  Constitution  and  ordinances  of  this 
Church,  into  the  following  form,  which  we  hold  as 
agreeing  with  the  word  of  God,  and  for  their  perma- 
nency and  perpetual  observance  herewith  record 
and  preserve. 

By  the  undersigned  preacher  and  members  which 
now  constitute  this  Church,  it  is  hereby  ordained 
and  resolved,  that  this  Church  which  has  been  brought 
together  in  Baltimore,  by  the  ministration  of  our 
present  preacher  W.  Otterbein,  in  future  consist  in  a 
preacher,  three  elders,  and  three  deacons,  an  almo- 
ner and  church  members,  and  these  together  shall 
pass  under  and  by  the  name  — The  Evangelic  Reform- 
ed Church. 

2d.  No  one,  whoever  he  may  be,  can  be  preacher 
or  member  of  this  Church,  whose  walk  is  unchristian 
and  offensive,  or  who  should  live  in  some  open  sin. 
— (1  Tim.  3:  1-3.  1  Corinth.  5:  11-13.) 

3d.  Each  Church  member  to  attend  faithfully  the 
public  worship  on  the  Sabbath  day,  and  at  all  other 
times. 

4th.  This  Church  shall  yearly  solemnly  keep  two 
days  of  humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer,  which  shall 


1785  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  47 

be  designated  by  the  preacher,  one  in  the  spring,  the 
other  in  the  autumn  of  the  year. 

5th.  The  members  of  this  Church,  impressed  with 
the  necessity  of  a  constant  religious  exercise,  suffer- 
ing the  word  of  God  richly  and  daily  to  dwell  among 
them  — (Col.  3:  16.  Heb.  3:  13.  10:24,  25,)  each  sex 
shall  therefore  meet  apart  once  a  week,  for  which  the 
most  suitable  day,  hour  and  place,  shall  be  chosen, 
for  the  males  as  well  as  the  females,  for  the  first  an 
hour  in  the  evening,  and  for  the  last  an  hour  in  the 
day  time,  are  considered  the  most  suitable.  In  the 
absence  of  the  preacher,  an  elder  or  deacon  shall 
lead  such  meetings. 

(a.)  The  rules  for  these  special  meetings  are 
these:  No  one  can  be  received  into  this  society,  who 
is  not  resolved  to  flee  the  wrath  to  come,  and  by 
faith  and  repentance,  to  seek  his  salvation  in  Christ, 
and  be  resolved  willingly  to  obey  the  disciplinary 
rules,  which  are  now  observed  by  this  Church,  for 
good  order,  and  the  advance  in  godliness,  as  well  as 
such  as  in  future  may  be  added  by  the  preacher 
and  Church  vestry;  yet  always  excepted  that  such 
rules  are  founded  on  the  Word  of  God,  which  is  the 
only  unerring  guide  of  faith  and  practice. 

(b.)  These  meetings  to  commence  and  end  with 
singing  and  prayer,  and  that  nothing  be  done,  but 
what  will  tend  to  build  up  and  advance  godliness. 

(r.)  That  such  who  attend  these  special  meetings 
but  indifferently,  sickness  and  absence  from  home 
excepted,  after    being  twice  or   thrice   admonished, 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH   OF  1785 

without  manifest  amendment  exclude  themselves 
from  the  Church,  (versambung .) 

(d.)  Every  member  of  this  Church  should  fer- 
vently engage  in  private  worship;  morning  and 
evening  to  pray  with  his  family;  himself,  and  his 
household  to  be  induced  to  attend  divine  worship  at 
all  times. 

(e.)  Every  member  shall  sedulously  abstain  from 
all  back-biting  and  evil-speaking  of  any  person,  or 
persons,  without  exception,  and  specially  not  of  his 
brethren  in  the  Church.  —  (Rom.  15:  1-3.  2  Cor.  12: 
20.  1  Peter  2:  1.  Ja.  4:  11.)  The  transgressor  shall 
in  the  first  instance  be  admonished  privately,  but 
the  second  time  he  shall  be  openly  rebuked  in  the 
class  meeting. 

( /*.)  Every  one  to  avoid  all  worldly  and  sinful 
company,  and  to  the  utmost  shun  all  foolish  talking 
and  jesting.  — (Ps.  15:  4.  Eph.  5:  4-11.)  This  of- 
fence will  meet  with  the  severe  Church  censure. 

(g.)  No  one  shall  be  permitted  to  buy  or  sell  on 
the  Sabbath,  nor  attend  to  worldly  business,  not  to 
travel  far  or  near,  but  each  spend  the  day  in  quiet- 
ness and  religious  exercises.  —  (Isa.  58:  13,  14.) 

H  That  each  member  willingly  attend  to  any  of  the 
private  concerns  of  the  Church,  when  required  so  to 
do  by  the  preacher  or  vestry,  and  that  each  one  strive 
to  lead  a  quiet  and  godly  life,  lest  he  give  offence, 
and  fall  into  the  condemnation  of  the  adversary. — 
(Math.  5:  14-1(5.     1  Pet.  2:  12.) 

6th.  Any  person  expressing  a  desire  to  commune 
with  us  at  the  Lord's  table,  although  they  have  not 


1785  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  49 

been  members  of  our  Church,  shall  be  admitted  by 
consent  of  the  vestry,  provided  that  nothing  justly 
can  be  alledged  against  their  walk  in  life,  and  more 
especially  when  it  is  known  that  they  are  seeking 
their  salvation.  After  the  preparation  sermon,  such 
persons  may  declare  themselves  openly  before  the 
assembly;  also,  that  they  are  ready  to  submit  to  all 
wholesome  discipline;  and  thus  they  are  received 
into  the  Church. 

7th.  For  as  much  as  the  difference  of  people  and 
denominations,  end  in  Christ. — (Rom.  10:  12.  Col. 
3:  11,)  and  availeth  nothing  in  Him,  but  a  new  crea- 
ture—  (Gal.  6:  13-16.)  it  becomes  our  duty  accor- 
ding to  the  gospel,  to  commune  with,  and  admit 
professors  to  the  Lord's  table,  irrespective  of  what- 
ever order,  or  sort,  of  the  christian  Church. 

8th.  All  such  persons  who  may  not  attend  our 
class-meetings,  nor  partake  of  the  holy  sacrament 
with  us,  but  attend  our  public  worship,  shall  be  visi- 
ted by  the  preacher  in  health  and  in  sickness,  and  on 
all  suitable  occasions,  admonish  them,  baptize  their 
children,  attend  to  their  funerals,  impart  instruction 
to  their  youths,  and  should  they  have  any  children, 
the  Church  shall  interest  herself  for  their  religious 
education. 

9th.  The  preacher  shall  make  it  one  of  his  high- 
est duties,  to  watch  over  the  rising  youth,  diligently 
instructing  them  in  the  principles  of  religion,  accor- 
ding to  the  word  of  God.  He  should  catechise 
them  once  a  week,  and  the  more  matured  in  years, 
who  have  obtained  a  knowledge  of  the  great  truths 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1785 

of  the  gospel,  should  be  impressed  with  the  impor- 
tance of  striving  through  divine  grace,  to  'become 
worthy  recipients  of  the  holy  sacrament.  And  in 
view  of  Church  membership,  such  as  manifest  a 
desire  to  this  end,  should  become  fully  instructed  for 
a  time,  be  examined  in  the  presence  of  their  parents 
and  the  vestry,  and  if  approved,  after  the  prepara- 
tion sermon,  to  be  presented  before  the  Church  and 
be  admitted. 

10th.  The  Church  to  establish  and  maintain  a 
German  School,  as  soon  as  possible;  the  vestry  to 
spare  no  effort,  to  procure  the  most  competent  teach- 
ers, and  devise  such  means  and  rules  as  will  promote 
the  best  interest  of  the  school. 

11th.  That  after  the  demise  or  removal  of  the 
preacher,  the  male  members  of  the  Church  shall 
meet  without  delay  in  the  Church  edifice,  and  after 
singing  and  prayer,  one  or  more  shall  be  proposed 
by  the  Elders  and  Deacons,  a  majority  of  votes  shall 
determine  the  choice;  and  a  call  be  made  accordingly; 
but  should  the  preacher  on  whom  the  choice  fell, 
decline  the  call,  then  as  soon  as  possible,  others  shall 
be  proposed,  and  a  choice  gone  into,  but  here  it  is 
especially  reserved,  should  it  so  happen;  that  before 
the  demise  or  removal  of  the  preacher,  his  place 
should  already  have  been  provided  for  by  a  majority 
of  votes,  than  no  new  choice  shall  take  place. 

12th.  No  preacher  shall  stay  among  us,  who  is 
not  in  unison  with  our  adopted  rules,  and  order  of 
things,  and  class -meetings,  and  who  does  not 
diligently  observe  them. 


1785  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  51 

13th.  No  preacher  can  stay  among  us.  who 
teacheth  the  doctrine  of  predestination,  (Gnaden- 
wahl)  or  the  impossibility  of  falling  from  grace,  and 
who  holdeth  them  as  doctrinal  points. 

14th.  No  preacher  can  stay  among  us,  who  will 
not  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  care  for  the  various 
Churches  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and  Virginia, 
which  Churches  under  the  superintendence  of  Win. 
Otterbein,  stand  in  fraternal  unity  with  us. 

15th.  No  preacher  can  stay  among  us,  who 
should  refuse  to  sustain  with  all  diligence,  such 
members  who  may  have  arisen  from  this  or  some 
other  Churches,  or  who  may  yet  arise  as  helpers  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord,  with  preaching  and  exhorting, 
and  to  afford  unto  them  all  possible  encouragment 
so  long  as  their  life  shall  be  according  to  the  gospel. 

16th.  All  the  preceding  items  (puncktc,)  shall 
be  presented  to  the  preacher  chosen,  and  his  full 
consent  thereto  obtained,  before  he  enters  on  his 
ministry. 

17th.  The  preacher  shall  nominate  the  Elders 
from  among  the  members  who  attend  the  special 
meetings,  and  no  others  shall  be  proposed,  and  their 
duties  shall  be  made  known  unto  them  by  him,  be- 
fore the  Church. 

18th.  The  Elders  so  long  as  they  live  in  accor- 
dance with  the  gospel,  and  shall  not  attempt  to  intro- 
duce any  new  act  contrary  to  this  constitution  and 
ordinances,  are  not  to  be  dismissed  from  their  office, 
except  on  account  of  debility  or  other  cause:  should 
any  one  desire  it,  then  in  that  case,  or  by  reason  of 


52  HISTORY    OF    THE   CHURCH    OF  1785 

death,  the  place  shall  be  supplied  by  the  preacher  as 
already  noticed. 

19th.  The  three  Deacons  are  to  be  chosen  yearly 
on  new  years  day,  as  follows: 

The  vestry  will  propose  six  from  among  the  mem- 
bers who  partake  with  us  of  the  holy  sacrament 
Every  voter  shall  write  the  names  of  those  three 
whom  he  desires  for  Deacon,  on  a  piece  of  paper, 
and  when  the  Church  has  met,  these  papers  shall  be 
collected,  opened  and  read,  and  such  as  have  a  ma- 
jority of  votes,  will  be  made  known  to  the  Church 
and  their  duties  made  known  unto  them  by  the 
preacher,  in  presence  of  the  Church. 

20th.  The  Almoner  shall  be  chosen  at  the  same 
time  and  manner  as  the  Deacons,  who  at  the  next 
election  will  present  his  account. 

21st.  The  Preacher,  Elders  and  Deacons,  shall 
attend  to  all  the  affairs  of  the  Church,  compose  the 
Church  vestry,  and  shall  be  so  considered. 

22d.  All  deeds,  leases  and  other  rights  concern- 
ing the  property  of  this  Church  shall  be  conveyed 
in  the  best  and  safest  manner  to  this  Church  vestry, 
and  their  successors,  as  Trustees  of  this  Church. 

23d.  Should  a  Preacher,  Elder  or  Deacon  be  ac- 
cused of  any  known  immorality,  and  upon  the 
testimony  of  two  or  three  creditable  witnesses,  the 
same  should  be  proven  against  him,  he  will  be  im- 
mediately suspended;  and  until  he  gives  sure  proof  of 
true  repentance,  and  makes  open  confession,  he 
remains  excluded  from  this  Church.  The  same  rule 
shall  be  observed  and  carried  out  against  members 


1785  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  53 

of  the  Church,  who  shall  be  found  guilty  of  immoral 
conduct.  — (1  Cor.  5:  11-13.   1  Tim.  5:  20,  Tit.  3:  10.) 

24th.  All  offences  between  members,  shall  be 
dealt  with  in  strict  conformity  with  the  precepts  of 
our  Lord, —  (Math.  18:  15-18.)  No  one  is  therefore 
permitted  to  name  the  offender,  or  the  offence,  except 
in  the  prescribed  order  of  our  Saviour. 

25th.  No  member  is  allowed  to  cite  his  brother 
before  the  civil  authority,  for  any  cause.  All  differ- 
ences shall  be  laid  before  the  vestry,  or  each  party 
may  choose  a  referee  from  among  the  members  of 
the  Church,  to  whom  the  adjustment  of  the  matter 
shall  be  submitted.  The  decision  of  either  the 
vestry  or  referees,  shall  be  binding  on  each  party; 
nevertheless  should  any  one  believe  himself  wrong- 
ed, he  may  ask  a  second  hearing,  which  shall  not  be 
refused.  This  second  hearing  may  be  either  before 
the  same  men,  or  some  others  of  the  Church ;  but 
whosoever  shall  refuse  to  abide  by  this  second 
verdict,  or  on  any  occasion  speak  of  the  matter  of 
dispute,  or  accuse  his  opponent  with  the  same,  ex- 
cludes himself  from  the  Church. 

26th.  The  Elders  and  Deacons  shall  meet  four 
times  in  the  year  viz:  the  last  Sabbath  in  March  ; 
the  last  Sabbath  in  June  ;  the  last  Sabbath  in  Sep- 
tember, and  the  last  Sabbath  in  December,  in  the 
parsonage  house,  after  the  afternoon  service,  to  take 
the  affairs  of  the  Church  into  consideration. 

27th.  This  constitution  and  ordinances,  shall  be 
read  every  new  years  day  before  the  congregation, 
in  order  to  keep  it  in  special  remembrance,  and  that 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1785 

it  may  be  carefully  observed,  and  no  one  plead  igno- 
rance of  the  same. 

28th.  We,  the  subscribers,  acknowledge  the  above 
written  items  and  particulars,  as  the  groundwork  of 
our  Church,  and  we  ourselves  as  co-members  by  our 
signature,  recognize  and  solemnly  promise  religious 
obedience  to  the  same. 

WILLIAM  OTTERBEIN,  Preacher. 

LEHARD  HERBACH,) 
HENRY  WEITNER,    f   Elders. 
PETER  HOFMAN.      ) 

PHILLIP  BIER,  ) 

WILLIAM  BAKER,      }   Deacons. 
ABRAHAM  LORSH.  ) 

Baltimore,  January  1st,   1785. 


The  foregoing  record  of  the  cause  and  subsequent 
rise  of  the  Otterbein  Church  in  Baltimore,  portrays 
in  sombre  colors,  the  unhappy  condition  of  a  single 
Church,  ending  in  the  withdrawal  of  some  of  its 
members,  and  in  their  making  choice  for  their  preach- 
er, of  a  man  in  whom  they  could  confide  and  trust. 
This  record  incontrovertibly  proves,  that  the  Church 
on  Howard's  Hill,  organized  under  the  auspices  of 
Bro.  William  Otterbein,  by  the  name  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Reformed  Church,  (gemeinde,)  was,  and  is  in 
doctrine  and  disciplinary  rules,  different  and  distinct 
from  the  so  called  German  Reformed  Church,  and 
this,  the  history  of  that  Church,  will  clearly  prove. 

The  reader  will  please  to  compare  the  foregoing 
constitution  of  the  Otterbein    Church,  with  a  few 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  55 

quotations  from  the  He  Pasa  Ekklesia,  History  of 
the  German  Reformed  Church,  by  Lewis  Mayer,  D. 
D.,  which  coming  as  it  does  from  the  best  authority, 
and  written  as  late  as  1844,  may  be  regarded  as 
reliable. 

He  Pasa  Ekklesia,  page  337,  Rev.  L.  Mayer  says: 
"  The  founder  of  this  Church,  was  Ulric  Zwingle." 
Page  340,  "  After  the  death  of  Zwingle  and  Eco- 
lampadius  in  1531,  none  of  their  associates  enjoyed 
so  decided  a  superiority  over  his  brethren,  as  to  give 
him  a  commanding  influence  over  the  whole  Church, 
and  to  secure  to  him  the  chief  direction  of  her  coun- 
cils. This  honor  was  reserved  for  John  Calvin." 
Page  342,  "  Zwingle  taught  the  doctrine  of  abso- 
lute Predestination,  as  well  as  Calvin." — ibid.  Page 
343,  "  The  doctrinal  system  of  the  German  Reform- 
ed Church,  is  contained  in  the  Heidelberg  catechism." 
Page  344,  "  The  catechism  in  its  general  character 
is  Calvinistic."  Page  345,  "  The  Heidelberg  cate- 
chism is  the  only  symbolical  book  of  the  Church  in 
the  United  States."  Mr.  Mayer  goes  on  to  state,  on 
the  same  page  and  book  from  which  we  quote, 
as  follows:  "  Subscription  to  the  catechism  by 
candidates  for  the  ministry,  is  not  required  at  their 
ordination:  a  verbal  profession  of  the  doctrine  of 
the  Church  being  deemed  sufficient."* 

Now,  the  constitution  of  Otterbein's  Church  in 
Baltimore,    expressly    provides    (item    13,)   that  a 

Note. — Query.  Which  is  most  binding  on  the  conscience  of  man, 
subscribing  with  the  pen,  or  professing  with  the  lips,  in  the  ordination 
vow  1 


56  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

preacher  holding  the  above  as  doctrinal  points,  can 
not  stay  among  us.  It  is  evident  from  the  quota- 
tions made  above,  that  the  German  Reformed  Church 
is  in  doctrine  Calvinistic.  The  conclusion  therefore 
is  irresistible,  that  no  minister  of  the  said  G.  R. 
Church,  can  ever  officiate  as  pastor  in  the  Otterbein 
Church  in  Baltimore,  without  directly  violating  the 
constitution  upon  which  it  was  established. 

Items  14,  and  15,  expressly  provide  that  no  one 
can  be  a  pastor  of  that  Church,  who  does  not  sustain 
a  ministerial  relation  to  the  various  Churches  in  Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland  and  Virginia^  under  the  guidance 
of  William  Otterbein. 

And  that  he  must  diligently  assist  the  preachers 
who  had  been  raised  up  in  those  Churches,  or  who 
should  in  future  rise  up  in  them  as  preachers,  &c. 
To  meet  these  provisions,  the  preacher  in  OtterbehVs 
Church  in  Baltimore,  must  of  necessity  stand  in  full 
connection  with  the  preachers  and  churches  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ ;  for  these  are  the  only 
preachers  and  churches  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland 
and  Virginia,  in  which  William  Otterbein  had  a 
chief  direction,  and  ordained  Elders  in  and  for  the 
same. 

This  constitution  should  be  viewed  as  a  discipli- 
nary rule  for  the  Church  at  large,  except  so  much 
as  was  peculiarly  applicable  to  the  Church  in 
Baltimore.  From  the  second  paragraph  to  the 
sixth,  including  the  letter  g,  we  have  presented  to  us 
in  a  concise  and  scriptural  form,  all  that  is  most 
essential   in  constituting  a  Church,  and  the   rules 


1785  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  57 

which  should  govern  the  same,  individually  and 
collectively.  As  such  they  were  acceptable  to  all 
the  Churches,  from  and  after  the  first  Conference 
held  in  the  City  of  Baltimore  1789,  up  to  the  time 
of  the  General  Conference  in  1815,  when  they 
-entered  with  little  variation,  under  their  appropriate 
sections,  into  our  present  discipline. 

We  like  the  spirit  which  pervades  that  document 
throughout.  Being  written  in  the  sententious  style, 
it  must  be  read  with  care.  In  the  original,  it  is  one 
of  the  most  compact,  and  at  the  same  time,  one  of 
the  most  comprehensive  productions  of  the  pen. 
Take  it  is  a  whole,  and  in  view  of  the  time  and  the 
prevailing  prejudices,  it  bears  the  impress  of  a  mas- 
ter mind,  and  does  honor  to  the  author. 

POINTS     INSISTED     ON. 

The  purity  of  the  ministry  ;  the  piety  of  members  ; 
the  necessity  of  attending  faithfully  on  the  means 
of  grace,  in  public  and  in  private ;  the  propriety  of 
«lass  and  prayer  meetings ;  the  sacredness  of  the 
Sabbath,  and  how  to  be  spent ;  the  doctrine  of  the 
Church ;  that  preachers  must  harmonize  and  sustain 
each  other  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  to  the  best  of 
their  ability.  These  points  enter  essentially  into  the 
elementary  rules  of  a  christian  Church,  and  upon 
the  observance  of  them  rests  the  usefulness  and 
perpetuity  of  Churches.  As  to  the  age  of  the  dis- 
cipline of  the  United  Brethren  Church  in  Christ,  it  is 
of  little  importance,  whether  it  be  of  yesterday  or  a 
century  past ;  but  it  is  all  important  that  it  be  of  the 

5 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1785 

right  character,  and  in  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the 
scriptures.  In  whatever  light  our  present  discipline 
may  be  viewed,  and  however  favorably  adjudged  by 
an  intelligent  community,  we  find  its  original  traced 
out  by  Wra.  Otterbein,  as  early  as  1785, 


1789  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  59 


CHAPTER  V. 


First  Conference  • — Second  Conference- — George  Adam  Guething — ■ 
character  of  his  preaching —  his  childlike  humility — persecutions 
—  his  house  Otterbein's  home  >when  out  of  Baltimore —  Christian 
Newcomer  —  his  conversion  • —  call  to  the  ministry  —  acquaintance 
with  Otterbein  and  Guething-*-  his  burning  zeal,  industry,  and  ex. 
tensive  labors  in  the  ministry. 

The  first  Conference  was  held  in  Baltimore  in  the 
year  1789. 

PREACHERS  PRESENT. 


George  A.  Guething,   1  Adam  Lehman, 
Christian  Newcomer,  |  John  Ernst, 


William  Otterbein, 
Martin  Boehm, 
Henry  Weidner. 

PREACHERS  ABSENT. 


Benedict  Swoap, 
Henry  Baker, 
Simon  Herre, 


Frederick  Schaffer,      I  Christopher  Grosh, 
Martin  Kreider,  ,     Abraham  Draksel. 


From  some  conscientious  scruples,  no  record  had 
been  kept  of  the  number  of  Churches  nor  members 
in  general. 

The  second  Conference  was  held  in  Paradise  town- 
ship, York  county,  Penn.,  at  the  house  of  Brother 
Spangler,  in  the  year  17al. 

PREACHERS  PRESENT. 


William  Otterbein, 
Martin  Boehm, 
G.  A.  Guething,    , 


Christian  Newcomer, 
Adam  Lehman, 
John  Ernst, 


J.  G.  Pfrimmer, 
John  Neiding, 
Benjamin  Sauder. 


Thus,  giving  an  increase  of  three  brethren   in  the 
ministry. 

We  now  proceed  to  take  notice  of  the  third  name 


60  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1791 

on  the  Conference  list;  George  Adam  Guething, 
who  became  connected  with  Otterbein  and  Boehm 
in  the  year  1772.  His  residence  was  on  the  Antie- 
tum,  Washington  county,  Maryland. 

The  talent  and  ministerial  graces  of  these  three 
brethren  in  chief,  when  brought  together,  cannot  now 
be  well  conceived;  and  it  is  beyond  our  ability  to  con- 
vey a  just  idea  of  them  to  the  reader.  Otterbein 
was  argumentative,  eloquent,  and  often  terrible.  In 
the  elucidation  of  scripture,  he  was  very  clear,  and 
full,  few  being  his  equal. 

Boehm  was  the  plain,  open  and  frank  expounder 
of  God's  word ;  being  all  animation,  all  life  ;  often 
irresistible,  like  a  mighty  current,  carrying  his  hear- 
ers into  deep  water. 

But  brother  Guething  was  more  like  a  spring  sun 
rising  on  a  frost  silvered  forest,  gradually  affording 
more  heat,  more  light,  till  you  could  hear,  as  it  were, 
the  crackling  in  the  forest,  and  the  icy  crust  begin- 
ning to  melt  and  fall  away,  and  like  a  drizzling 
shower  ending  in  a  clear  and  joyous  day:  such  was 
Guething.  He  was  the  St.  John  of  this  clover  leaf; 
always  soft  and  mellowing ;  of  good  parts,  having  a 
well  cultivated  mind ;  in  conversation  cheerful,  inter- 
esting and  pleasing,  and  every  way  a  desirable  com- 
panion. Brother  Guething  preached  often,  and 
traveled  much.  His  bland  manners,  his  affability 
and  shining  talents,  secured  for  him  universal  res- 
pect and  esteem,  good  congregations,  and  what  was 
much  more  important,  access  to  the  hearts  and  con- 
sciences of  those  who  came  to  hear  him.     He  would 


1791  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  61 

follow  the  sinner  in  his  devious  paths;  showing  the 
severity  of  God's  holy  law  in  a  manner  which  made 
stout  hearts  to  quail  and  tremble,  and  then  with  feel- 
ings and  language  peculiar  to  himself,  present  to  the 
stricken-hearted  a  loving  Saviour,  and  in  tones  so 
beseechingly  sweet,  that  the  effect  was  invariably  a 
congregation  in  tears.  Here  was  the  secret  power 
which  he  possessed  over  an  audience.  All  that  ever 
heard  him,  saw  it  —  felt  it  — he  alone  seemed  to  be 
unconscious  of  it ;  but  love  and  a  childish  good  na- 
ture, like  the  rays  of  an  evening  sun,  resting  quietly 
on  his  round  face,  was  all  that  could  be  seen  of  the 
great  mind,  in  the  midst  of  sinners  crying  for  mercy, 
or  saints  shouting  for  joy.  Many  wrere  awakened 
under  the  preaching  of  brother  Guething  in  Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland  and  Virginia. 

But  withal,  he  was  not  left  without  opponents  in 
the  course  of  his  gospel  labors,  and  journeyings. 
Having  been  brought  up  in  the  German  Reformed 
Church,  that  Church  was  held  dear  in  his  affections, 
nor  was  this  without  a  return  from  many  members 
in  that  Church,  to  whom  the  preaching  of  Guething 
had  been  made  the  power  of  God  to  their  sal- 
vation. He  likewise  enjoyed  the  friendship  and 
esteem  of  some  of  her  preachers  ;  but  from  that 
Church  came  also  some  of  his  trials,  by  way  of  op- 
position to  the  work  of  grace,  and  the  conversion  of 
the  people.  Opposition  or  persecution  from  those 
with  whom  we  have  been  associated  or  united,  in 
natural,  social  and  religious  relations,  comes  with  a 
keener  edge,  and  wounds  deeper  than  when  directed 


62  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

against  us  from  any  other  source.  When  speaking 
of  these  things,  while  the  big  tear  dropped  from  his 
eye,  he  would  say  "  For  the  hurt  of  the  daughter  of 
my  people,  am  I  hurt.  Oh !  what  a  Saviour  we 
have,  and  yet  the  health  of  my  people  is  not  recov- 
red  !" 

Big  meetings  were  held  at  an  early  day  in  his 
immediate  neighborhood,  probably  as  early  as  1786 
or  87,  and  so  continued  from  time  to  time  while  he 
lived,  and  long  after  the  time  of  his  earthly  life.  Ot- 
terbein  was  nearly  always  present  at  these  meetings, 
until  infirmity  and  age  forbade  attendance.  Bro. 
Guething's  house  was  Otterbein's  retreat ;  his  head 
quarters  when  out  of  Baltimore.  Perhaps  never 
loved  two  men  better,  nor  for  a  longer  period  of  time, 
than  Otterbein  and  Guething  loved  each  other. 
Brother  Guething's  was  also  the  council  house  for  the 
preachers,  far  and  near.  He  was  much  looked  to 
for  counsel,  for  advice  and  instruction,  and  such  was 
the  love  towards  him,  and  the  confidence  in  him, 
that  his  word  had  much  of  the  authority  of  law,  and 
his  counsel  was  as  the  counsel  of  the  ancients  ;  and 
this  was  given  on  his  part  with  such  humility  and 
tenderness  of  love,  that  the  impression  could  never 
be  forgotten  nor  effaced.  But  Bro.  Guething  was  a 
man,  nor  is  it  meant  that  he  wTas  faultless  ;  but  such 
as  he  was,  God  had  raised  him  up  for  a  great  work. 
How  faithfully  he  performed  the  work  allotted  to  him, 
in  the  history  of  the  Brethren  Church  was  exempli- 
fied in  the  forty  years  of  his  illustrious  life,  spent 
joyfully  in  the  service  of  his  Divine  Master. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST,  63 

The  time  when,  and  where,  and  the  circumstances 
and  manner  of  the  death  of  G.  A.  Guething,  Martin 
Boehm,  and  William  Gtterbein,  with  other  ministe- 
rial brethren,  will  be  noticed  in  this  work  in  due 
time. 

The  next  name  in  order,  claiming  our  attention, 
and  deserving  more  than  a  passing  notice  on  our 
pages,  is  Christian  Newcomer.  Although  more  is 
known  of  him  to  some  brethren  now  living,  than  of  his 
three  predecessors,  yet  ere  long,  C.  Newcomer  will 
be  also  a  stranger  to  the  living  generation,  and  all 
that  may  remain  of  him  on  earth  —  be  what  history 
records. 

Christian  Newcomer  was  born  in  Lancaster  Co., 
Pennsylvania,  January  21st,  1749.  He  was  raised 
and  brought  up  by  his  parents  in  the  Mennonite 
Society.  After  suffering  severe  trials  and  deep  dis- 
tress of  mind,  from  a  consciousness  of  his  lost  estate, 
{vcrlohmen  Zustand)  by  prayers  and  supplications 
at  a  throne  of  grace,  he  experienced  religion  in  his 
eighteenth  year.  Of  this  he  speaks  inhisjournal:  — 
"The  anguish  of  soul  was  removed.  I  did  not 
know  what  had  happened  unto  me;  my  heart  felt  glad; 
my  soul  was  happy ;  my  mouth  was  filled  with 
praises  and  thanksgiving  to  God,  for  what  He  had 
done  for  me,  a  poor  unworthy  creature.  I  thought 
if  ever  a  being  in  this  world  had  cause  to  praise  the 
Lord,  I  was  that  being.  For  some  nights,  tears  of 
:gratitude  and  joy  moistened  my  pillow;  and  I  pass- 
ed many  happy  hours.  This  state  of  mind  contin- 
ued for  some  time,  my  soul  was  happy,  when  I  arose 


64 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


in  the  morning,  to  me  all  nature  loved  and  smiled  — 
all  things  had  become  new,  I  was  made  to  rejoice  all 
the  day  long.  But  by  degrees  I  lost  this  joy,  this 
peace  of  mind  ;  fear  returned  again,  and  took  pos- 
session of  my  heart.  In  this  situation  I  consulted  a 
preacher  in  the  Mennonite  Church:  He  advised  me 
to  be  baptized,  join  the  Church,  and  take  the  sacra- 
ment. I  followed  his  advice,  and  did  as  he  directed 
me,  but  found  no  peace."  He  used  to  say,  when 
speaking  of  this  period  of  his  life,  that  this  state  of 
mind,  he  believed,  was  caused  by  refusing  to  comply 
with  the  convictions  resting  with  much  weight  upon 
his  mind,  to  tell  his  experience  in  meeting,  and  ex- 
hort the  people  to  flee  the  wrath  to  come. 

In  this  unhappy  condition  he  passed  several  years, 
experiencing  alternately,  great  joy,  and  again  passing 
days  and  nights  in  distress  and  agony  of  soul.  He 
remarks,  "  I  do  sincerely  believe,  if  I  had  been  obe- 
dient to  the  call  of  God,  I  should  have  been  saved 
much  distress  of  mind.  But  the  office  of  a  preacher- 
appeared  to  me  too  important,  too  great,  and  myself 
less  than  nothing." 

He  was  solicited  to  make  the  effort,  and  preach, 
which  the  grace  that  was  in  him,  constrained  him  to- 
do.  He  made  the  effort  to  speak  at  a  meeting,  rela- 
ting his  own  experience,  and  the  painful  exercises 
of  his  mind,  in  reference  to  warning  others  of  their 
danger,  how  he  had  resisted  this  call,  until  it  burned 
in  his  bones  like  a  fire,  and  why  ?  "I  stammered 
this  out  as  well  as  I  had  ability,  and  could  not  res- 
train my  tears,  beseeching  the  people  to  embrace  in 


1791  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  6J> 

Christ  the  offered  mercy.  This  had  a  good  effect, 
many  tears  were  shed,  and  convictions  ensued.  In 
this  discharge  of  my  duty,  which  I  believe  I  owed  to 
God  and  my  fellow  men,  a  sense  of  the  divine  appro- 
bation rested  on  my  mind." 

Hence  he  was  requested  to  exhort  and  speak 
in  public.  But  previous  to  this  time,  and  soon  after 
his  removal  to  Maryland,  he  had  become  acquainted 
with  Otterbein  and  Guething.  He  writes  in  his 
journal  —  "  Frequently  I  had  heard  them  preach  in 
my  own  vicinity,  their  preaching  making  lasting  im- 
pressions on  the  hearts  of  their  hearers.  They  in- 
sisted on  the  necessity  of  a  genuine  repentance  and 
conversion  to  God,  in  the  knowledge  and  pardon  of 
sins  past.  Their  preaching  appeared  to  be  owned 
and  blessed  of  God.  Many  were  awakened  from 
their  sleep  of  sin  and  death,  were  brought  from  dark- 
ness to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  sin  and  satan 
to  God,  found  the  pearl  of  great  price,  and  adhered 
to,  and  followed  the  doctrine  which  they  preached. 
These  they  formed  into  societies,  and  for  the  time 
being,  were  called  by  some,  *  Otterbein's  people.' 

"  Whereas  these  men  preached  the  same  doctrine- 
which  I  had  experienced,  and  which,  according  to 
my  views  and  discernment,  perfectly  agreed  with  the 
doctrine  taught  by  Jesus  Christ  and  his  Apostles;  — 
therefore  I  associated  myself  with  them,  and  joined 
their  society,  and  was  blessed.  Although  I  withdrew 
myself  from  the  Mennonites,  on  account  of  the  want  of 
life  and  power  of  religion  among  them,  I  never  felt  in 
any  wise  accused  in  my  own  mind  for  so  doing  ;  — 


66  HISTORY    OF   TOE  CHURCH    OF 

on  the  contrary,  have   received   many  blessings  of 
God  when  assembled  with  my  new  brethren." 

The  history  of  Bro.  Newcomer  as  far  as  we  have 
taken  notice  of  it,  furnishes  another  evidence  of  the 
fact,  that  whatever  religion  the  people  professed  at 
that  period,  1767,  it  was  a  religion  of  form,  with 
little  or  no  experience  of  heart.  In  him  we  have  a 
youth  of  sixteen  years  of  age,  under  deep  convic- 
tion, distressed  with  the  thoughts  of  eternity,  and  of 
being  lost  for  days,  and  weeks,  and  months,  and 
knowing  no  one  to  whom  he  might  make  known  the 
religious  exercises  of  his  mind.  The  spirit  of  the 
Lord  without  human  agency,  led  him  on  in  repen- 
tance and  in  secret  prayer,  until  the  love  of  God 
was  shed  abroad  in  his  heart. 

The  second  period  in  Newcomer's  life,  is  his  call 
to  preach  the  gospeL  In  the  twenty-seventh  year 
of  his  age,  a  measure  of  grace  is  committed  unto 
him  to  preach  Christ,  but  he  hesitated.  When  urged 
to  speak,  he  would  shrink  from  the  task,  and  let  the 
opportunity  slip.  For  this  dereliction  of  duty,  he 
felt  inwardly  condemned,  the  spirit  saying,  "  behold  I 
have  given  thee  a  knowledge  of  sin,  and  made 
known  unto  thee  the  way  of  salvation  ;  if  thou  re- 
fuse to  warn  thy  fellow  men,  —  wo  to  thee  if  thou 
preach  not  the  gospel  /"  But  he  said  the  office  of  a 
preacher,  struck  him  to  be  of  such  vast  importance, 
.and  awful  responsibility  —  and  then  the  thought  that 
he  was  insufficient  for  these  things,  restrained  him 
again.  Being  thus  pressed  and  enjoying  no  peace 
of  mind,  to  deliver  himself,  —  like  Jonah,  he  sought 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  67 

safety  by  flight.  He  sold  his  plantation  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and  removed  into  the  State  of  Maryland. 
His  reluctance  to  preach  was  of  himself,  his  remov- 
al to  Washington  county,  Maryland,  undoubtedly 
was  of  the  Lord.  Here  he  met  with  Otterbein  and 
G.  A.  Guething,  and  in  their  preaching  he  found  a 
response  in  his  own  heart.  A  friendship  ensued, 
which  soon  united  their  hearts  and  affections,  in  one 
common  interest  and  cause,  and  which  remained 
unbroken,  till  death  severed  the  bond  on  earth. 

The  doubts  on  his  part,  as  to  the  validity  of  his 
call  to  preach,  were  now  happily  removed,  and  an 
effectual  door  was  opened  before  him  to  preach  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  He  indeed,  was  a 
chosen  vessel  of  the  Lord,  as  his  subsequent  labors 
most  amply  prove.  Though  in  some  respects,  less 
than  Otterbein,  Guething  or  Boehm,  nevertheless 
take  him  as  he  was,  we  are  justified  in  saying  of  him, 
that  the  grace  of  God  was  not  bestowed  on  him  in 
vain,  for  he  labored  more  abundantly,  journeyed 
more,  preached  more  frequently,  and  visited  more 
extensively.  He  was  just  the  man  by  nature  and 
by  grace,  for  his  place  ;  without  him  the  cluster  would 
have  been  incomplete.  Tall  in  stature,  of  a  com- 
manding figure,  and  a  keen  visage,  a  voice  moder- 
ately strong,  and  if  at  times  impeded  for  a  moment 
by  some  natural  defect,  it  but  heightened  the  effect 
of  his  preaching,  drawing  the  attention  of  the  au- 
dience only  nearer  to  the  speaker,  affording  him  an 
opportunity  to  draw  the  gospel  net  more  effectually 
around  them,  and  thus  secure  a  larger  draft.     From 


68  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1791 

first  to  last,  and  for  many  years,  Bro.  Newcomer 
made  good  proof  of  his  ministry,  in  all  things  show- 
ing himself  a  pattern  of  good  works.  In  doctrine 
he  was  pure,  grave,  and  sincere.  He  was  suceessful 
in  winning  souls  to  Christ,  and  unremitting  in  his 
labors,  being  often  and  suddenly  called  upon  to 
attend  meetings  appointed  without  his  knowledge, 
to  reach  some  of  which,  he  had  to  travel  one  hun- 
dren  and  more  miles.  These  protracted  meetings, 
with  all  other  meetings  which  he  attended,  required 
much  time,  neglect  of  business  at  home,  beside  trav- 
eling expenses:  and  this  was  done  without  receiving 
the  least  remuneration.  To  do  this,  required  on  his 
part,  much  self-denial  and  sacrifice  of  domestic  in- 
terests, which  brought  him  often  into  great  straits, 
and  sore  conflicts.  But  he  said  he  had  promised  to 
be  obedient  to  God,  and  the  brethren,  so  none  of 
these  things  moved  him  from  his  purpose  of  preach- 
ing Christ.  His  burning  zeal  would  give  him  no 
rest,  in  season  nor  out  of  season  ;  neither  in  summer 
nor  winter.  He  was  sometimes  heard  to  say,  — 
"  Well  this  is  hard,  but  the  salvation  of  one  soul  out- 
weighs it  all  —  let  me  go."  Often  he  was  compelled 
to  make  forced  rides,  to  expose  his  person  in  the 
most  inclement  season  of  the  year,  and  the  stages 
of  high  water;  but  none  of  these  things  could 
check  him  in  his  course.  The  writer,  when  traveling 
Susquehanna  Circuit  in  the  year  1812,  in  the  depth 
of  winter,  of  cold  and  snow,  had  meeting  in  Berks 
county.  While  preaching,  Bro.  Newcomer's  tall 
figure  made  its  appearance  at  the  door.     I  beckoned 


1791  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST,  69 

to  him  to  come  to  the  stand,  but  the  room  being 
crowded,  he  remained  where  he  was,  and  without 
leaving  the  door,  closed  the  meeting  with  a  very  im- 
pressive exhortation,  and  sang  and  prayed.  I  pro- 
nounced the  benediction.  The  audience  made  a 
move  to  leave.  Now  was  Newcomer's  time ;  he 
shook  hands  with  one,  and  then  with  another,  ad- 
dressing some  by  name  —  exhorted  all  young  and 
old,  with  a  voice  and  visage  as  spiritual  and  holy, 
as  if  he  had  just  come  from  the  court  of  heaven. 
Many  began  to  weep,  and  we  had  a  gracious  and 
powerful  blessing. 

Thus  often  when  it  was  thought  that  he  was  far 
away,  he  would  come  upon  meetings  unexpectedly 
andunlooked  for,  —  but  his  coming  was  everywhere, 
and  always  hailed  with  joy.  For  of  a  truth,  God 
was  with  him,  and  had  made  him  a  blessing  to  the 
Church  and  to  the  people. 

The  demise  and  closing  scene  of  his  life,  will  be 
noticed  in  due  time. 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER  VI. 


Biographical  Sketch  of  John  G.  Pfrimmer  —  character  of  his  preach- 
ing—  his  extensive  labors — Sketch  of  John  Neiding  —  birth — ■ 
baptism  —  chosen  by  lot  to  preach  —  seeks  a  clean  heart  —  finds 
experimental  salvation  —  effect  of  his  preaching  the  doctrine  of  the 
New  Birth  —  his  virtues  —  popularity  of  his  preaching  —  his  death 
—  Remarks  on  the  Biographic  Sketches. 

Of  the  preachers  who  attended  the  Conference  in 
1791,  two  are  yet  to  be  noticed  before  we  can  pro- 
ceed, viz:     John  G.  Pfrimmer,  and  John  Neiding. 

Brother  Pfrimmer  was  a  native  of  Alcace,  in  France 
—  was  born  176.2,  and  brought  up  in  the  German 
Reformed  Church.  He  emigrated  to  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania,  in  1788,  soon  after  which,  he  was 
made  a  partaker  of  divine  grace.  Having  received 
a  good  education,  and  believing  it  to  be  his  duty  to 
preach,  he  began  to  exhort  and  to  preach  Christ  and 
him  crucified.  His  fitness  to  preach,  manifested 
itself  in  the  deep  impressions  which  his  discourses 
made,  and  the  display  of  talent,  promised  a  degree 
of  usefulness  in  the  ministry,  which  was  much 
needed,  and  which  at  this  very  time  was  a  great  ac- 
cession to  the  strength  and  influence  of  the  rising 
Church.  He  was  a  fluent  speaker:  with  a  mind  pos- 
sessing strong  intellectual  powers:  a  nervousness  run 
through  all  his  discourses,  which  were  full  of  origi- 
nal thought  and  expression,  bringing  things  new 
and  old  from  the  treasury  of  the  Lord.     His  sermons 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  71 

were  highly  impressive,  instructive  and  abiding  in 
their  effects.  He  had  a  comprehensive  knowledge 
of  the  sacred  scriptures,  well  knowing  how  to  apply 
them  to  the  hearts  and  consciences  of  men.  He 
loved  to  &ay,  "  Thus  saith  the  Lord"  which  was  at- 
tended with  power. 

By  his  ardent  and  efficient  labors,  many  heard 
and  received  the  joyful  sound  of  gospel  grace.  The 
work  of  God  was  multiplied,  and  greatly  spread  by 
this  energetic  servant  of  the  Lord,  through  a  great 
part  of  Pennsylvania;  first  east,  and  then  in  the 
vallies  of  the  Susquehanna,  till  the  year  1800,  when 
he  crossed  the  Allegheny  mountains,  preaching  with 
various  success  through  the  counties  of  Somerset, 
Westmoreland  and  Washington ;  from  whence  in 
1808,  he  followed  the  emigration  west,  through  the 
State  of  Ohio,  and  finally  settled  himself  in  Har- 
rison county,  in  the  State  of  Indiana,  without  how- 
ever, discontinuing  his  itinerant  labors,  and  visiting 
the  Churches  east  as  far  as  Pennsylvania  and  Mary- 
land. He  attended  the  General  Conference  held  in 
the  State  of  Ohio,  1825.  May  13th,  1797,  a  great 
meeting  was  held  at  the  Sinking  Spring,  Pa.,  where 
Bro.  Pfrimmer  with  Bro.  Boehm,  Newcomer,  Drak- 
sel  and  other  brethren,  were  present.  Bro.  Pfrimmer 
preached  the  first  sermon  on  the  Sabbath.  And 
October  14th,  same  year,  a  great  meeting  was  held 
at  Bro.  M.  Boehms,  where  Bro.  Pfrimmer  y  with  Gue- 
thing  and  Newcomer,  attended.  The  meeting  at 
the  Sinking  Spring,  was  as  the  harvest  is  before  the 


72  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

reapers;  there  was  a  reaping  and  a  gathering  of  fruit 
unto  eternal  life. 

John  Neiding  was  born  in  Berks  county,  Pa.,  1765; 
soon  after  which,  his  father  removed  into  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Harrisburg,  Dauphin  county,  where 
John  was  raised,  and  brought  up  by  his  parents  in 
the  Mennonite  Church.  Being  of  a  serious  turn  of 
mind,  and  reserved  habits,  while  yet  quite  a  youth, 
he  was  received  by  baptism  into  the  said  Church. 

In  his  twenty-fifth  year,  he  was  selected  and 
chosen  to  be  a  preacher,  by  lot, —  while  at  the  same 
time,  and  previous  thereto,  he  had  been  earnestly 
seeking  and  praying  for  a  clean  heart,  and  for  a 
token  of  God's  love.  Being  now  set  apart  as  a 
preacher,  the  desire  for  a  clean  heart,  and  a  token 
that  he  was  a  child  of  God,  (as  he  expressed  it,) 
pressed  the  more  heavily  upon  him,  and  he  pray- 
ed more  frequently  and  more  fervently.  Beside  this, 
he  felt  the  necessity  and  importance  of  preaching  an 
experimental  salvation  from  sin  ;  and  this  salvation 
he  soon  found,  and  was  made  to  rejoice.  And  as  it 
always  follows,  the  preacher  will  declare  those  scrip- 
ture truths  which  he  has  learned  to  know  by  his 
own  experience.  So  it  was  with  Bro.  Neiding  ;  he 
began  to  preach  with  much  force  and  energy,  the 
cause,  the  nature,  and  the  necessity  of  the  new 
birth.  "  Ye  must  be  born  again!"  This  was  more 
than  his  Mennonite  brethren  expected  from  him,  and 
more  than  they  as  a  Church,  were  willing  to  receive. 

One  instance  we  will  relate  in  few  words :     Some 
time  after  his  conversion,  whilst  he  was  preaching 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  73 

and  exhorting  with  much  feeling,  many  in  the  con- 
gregation began  to  be  moved,  and  some  were  crying 
loud  enough  to  be  heard.  The  old  preacher  caught 
brother  Neiding  by  the  arm,  saying  —  "  O  !  not  so 
brother  !  You  press  the  subject  too  far  !"  To  this 
he  quietly  replied  —  "  There  is  no  stopping  this  side 
of  heaven.     I  will  press  it  —  yet  more  earnestly." 

Of  all  the  brethren  we  have  yet,  or  may  hereafter 
notice,  brother  Neiding  was  the  Nathaniel;  a  man 
possessed  of  an  excellent  spirit,  meek,  gentle,  just, 
having  a  good  report  of  them  that  were  without ;  as 
a  steward  of  God,  blameless  ;  as  a  teacher,  he  was 
able  by  sound  doctrine,  both  to  exhort  and  to  con- 
vince the  gainsay ers.  The  virtues  and  the  graces 
so  pre-requisite  of  an  Elder  in  the  Church  of  God, 
shone  all  around  him  with  a  clear  and  steady  light, 
(  and  what  may  safely  be  deposited  here  as  a  memora- 
ble relation,)  that  light,  and  those  virtues  and  graces 
shedding  so  much  luster  around  his  path,  were  never 
be-clouded ,  nor  suffered  a  momentary  eclipse  by  any 
false  step  on  his  part,  in  his  long  and  eventful  life. 

His  language  was  select  and  chaste,  in  the  pulpit, 
and  out  of  it.  His  manner  of  preaching,  taking 
the  words,  the  sound  and  sweetness  of  his  voice  in 
harmony  with  the  actions  of  his  body,  and  the  use 
of  his  hands  and  fingers,  was,  to  use  a  figure,  like 
the  chiming  of  silver  bells,  producing  on  the  audi- 
ence the  various  impressions  which  the  gospel  theme 
affords.  The  sinner  when  hardly  dealt  with,  was 
obliged  to  listen  and  to  hear,  while  the  bells  sounded 
a  painful  alarm  through  every  avenue  of  his  guilty 

6 


74  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

soul ;  to  the  broken  hearted,  the  disconsolate,  the 
embittered  spirit,  he  chimed  a  hosanna  from  the  man 
of  woe,  with  tones  as  heavenly  and  sweet,  as  if  they 
really  came  from  celestial  climes.  As  a  builder  of 
the  Church  edifice,  the  materials  in  his  hands,  were 
gold,  and  silver,  and  precious  stone. 

If  a  meeting  house  or  Church  was  to  be  dedicated, 
be  it  Lutheran,  German  Reformed,  or  otherwise, 
brother  Neiding  received  the  most  friendly  invitation 
to  participate  in  the  services  and  solemnities  thereof. 
His  fame  was  in  all  the  Churches.  Yet  such  as  he 
was,  be  it  remembered,  or  rather  in  charity  be  it  for- 
gotten, the  Mennonite  Church  thrust  him  out  from 
among  them,  as  they  had  thrusted  Boehm. 

Such  was  brother  John  Neiding  and  J.  G.  Pfrimmer 
as  noticed  above,  whose  names  eminently  deserve 
to  be  fully  associated  with  those  illustrious  men, 
whom  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  honored  with 
a  holy  call,  to  raise  his  Zion  among  the  German 
Churches  from  the  dust,  and  to  whom  the  Lord  said, 
"  Arise  and  shine."  Thousands  have  seen  the  light, 
and  thousands  have  walked  in  it ! 

In  noticing  his  demise,  it  will  be  seen  that  he 
spent  a  long  and  useful  life.  Having  obeyed  the 
ministerial  call  in  the  morning  hour,  he  endured  the 
heat  and  burthen  of  the  day,  with  undiminishing 
diligence,  not  shrinking  in  the  duties  and  onerous 
tasks  which  the  day  brought  forth.  The  frost  of 
many  winters  had  whitened  his  head  to  a  snowy 
whiteness,  yet  he  labored  and  preached  to  the  last 
hour  and  minute  of  his  eventful  life. 

His   last  sermons,   especially  those  preached  at 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  75 

camp-meetings,  are  still  fresh  in  the  minds  of  those 
who  heard  them,  and  continue  to  wake  up  the 
sweetest  recollections  of  the  past,  and  this  past  is 
casting  its  silver  rays  of  light  beyond  the  borders 
of  the  tomb,  revealing  to  the  enraptured  vision,  a 
pathway  of  the  purest  light,  leading  to  immortality 
—  where  saints,  where  God  and  Christ  are  found  to 
dwell, — 

"  The  saints  secure  abode." 

JOHN     NEIDING, 

DEPARTED    THIS    LIFE 

JANUARY,  A.  D.  1844. 

IN    THE    SEVENTY-NINTH   YEAR   OF   HIS    AGE, 

AND  FIFTY-THIRD  YEAR  OF  HIS  MINISTRY, 

WHICH    HE    EXERCISED    WITH    AN    ABILITY    NEVER   TO    BE    FORGOTTEN. 

But  a  few  days  before  his  departure  being  met  by 
a  friend,  saying,  "  Bro.  Neiding  will  you  allow  your- 
self no  rest?"  To  which  he  replied  with  tender- 
ness, "  /  do  wish  not  to  be  found  idle  when  the  Lord 
cometh" 

How  striking  the  fidelity,  how  noble  the  expres- 
sion, worthy  to  be  engraven  on  imperishable  mon- 
uments !  What  more  fitting,  more  suitable  senti- 
ment for  a  watchman  in  Israel,  and  minister  of  the 
gospel  to  express.  What  sublime  emotions  swell 
the  breast  of  those  who  have  Jesus  and  his  merits, 
to  widen  the  circle  of  their  now  setting  sun,  with  a 
purple  flood  of  light. 

To  see  friends  depart  with  whom  we  were  wont  to 


76  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

hold  sweet  communion  on  earth,  watching  with  a 
sad  heart  the  departure  of  the  crimson  wave  of 
light,  we  see,  or  think  we  see,  the  messenger  of 
death  approach,  but  to  dim  our  tearful  vision  at  the 
moment  when  the  golden  fringe  begins  to  brighten 
again,  growing  clearer  and  rising  higher,  as  the 
emancipated  spirit  is  about  to  pass  through  the 
gates  into  the  City  of  the  living  God  ! 

In  a  very  brief  and  concise  manner,  have  we 
endeavored  to  sketch  or  delineate  the  ministerial 
character,  first  of  William  Otterbein,  secondly  of 
Martin  Boehm,  thirdly  of  George  Adam  Guething, 
fourthly  of  Christian  Newcomer,  and  fifthly  and 
sixthly  of  John  G.  Pfrimmer  and  John  Neiding. 
This  has  been  more  than  an  ordinary  task  for  the 
writer,  from  one  or  two  considerations. 

The  first  is  found  in  the  men  themselves,  of  whom 
wre  should  give  and  preserve  a  correct  knowledge  in 
this  book.  As  men,  and  as  good  men,  they  were 
but  men  in  common  with  others.  But  all  should  be 
aware,  that  they  had  no  ordinary  work  assigned 
them  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord;  and  the  graces, 
abilities,  and  talents  with  which  they  were  endowed, 
were  commensurate  with  the  duties  which  they  were 
required  to  perforin.  And  these  servants  of  God, 
we  have  seen,  and  have  enjoyed  apersonal  acquain- 
tance and  ministerial  relation  with  them ;  and  we 
have  seen  them  descend  into  the  tomb  ;  still  we  must 
confess,  that  we  find  not  the  ability  to  delineate  suf- 
ficiently, either  the  character  of  the  men, —  the 
extent  of  their  labors,  or  their  resplendent  virtues. 
Of  this  I  am   confident,  the   Biographic  Sketches 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  77 

fall  much  below  the  true  standard;  although  I 
have  endeavored  to  the  best  of  my  limited  capacity, 
to  give  a  faithful  representation  or  portraiture,  of 
each  individual  character,  so  that  the  reader  may 
see  them  separate  and  apart,  and  then  in  his  mind 
view  them  in  a  circle. 

My  second  reason  is,  I  am  aware,  that  there  are 
those  who  are  dear  to  me,  as  the  surviving  relatives 
and  friends,  and  others  as  brethren  in  the  Lord,  of 
all  those  men  of  God,  who  are  jealous  for  the  honor 
of  the  deceased,  and  whose  memory  is  sacred  unto 
them,  and  this  honor,  this  memory  being  no  less 
sacred  and  dear  to  our  entire  Church,  and  all  those 
friends  would  be  ready  witnesses,  should  my  pen 
for  a  moment  wander  from  the  truth,  or  attempt  to 
exaggerate  in  any  one  point.  We  may  be  below 
their  true  merit,  above  it  we  cannot  rise.  These 
brethren  justly  occupy  the  fore-ground  as  instru- 
meets  in  chief,  guided  by  a  wise  and  overruling 
Providence  in  the  work  of  reformation,  and  the  rise 
and  progress  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ. 

Nothing  could  be  more  just,  than  to  portray  the 
character  of  the  men  whom  the  Lord  was  pleased 
to  employ  in  the  glorious  reformation,  and  to  afford 
a  condensed  view  of  their  conversion,  and  espousal 
to  God;  of  their  call  to  the  ministry,  and  their  obe- 
dience to  that  call.  Without  this,  the  history  itself 
would  not  only  be  very  incomplete,  but  it  would  be 
found  deficient  in  an  essential  point  and  the  inquirer 
after  truth,  would  be  deprived  of  some  of  the  mate- 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

rial  evidences,  bearing  direct  testimony  on  the  ques- 
tion, whether  the  raising  up  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren in  Christ,  was  the  work  of  men,  or  the  work  of 
God. 


1785  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  79 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Spread  of  the  brethren  among  the  Germans  in  Pennsylvania,  Virginia 
and  Maryland —  They  preceded  the  Methodist —  The  reason  Asbury 
loved  Otterbein  and  the  brethren  —  Union  of  spirit  between  the 
Methodist  and  Brethren  — ■  Conference  of  1800  —  Adoption  of  the 
name  United  Brethren  in  Christ  —  Election  of  Superintendants 
Many  large  meetings  held  Great  manifestations  of  the  power  of 
God. 

For  the  sake  of  order,  and  not  to  interrupt  the 
Biography  of  brethren  with  which  we  had  commen- 
ced, it  was  believed  to  be  as  well  to  notice  the  men 
first,  and  then  to  resume  the  thread  of  our  narrative 
of  the  work,  and  the  extension  of  the  same,  if  it 
should  take  us  back  some  years.  It  does  not  come 
within  the  range,  we  have  allowed  ourselves  in 
this  work,  to  trace  out  the  same  in  its  progress  min- 
utely. We  may  take  up  a  period,  not  of  one,  but 
of  several  years,  which  we  deem  all-sufficient  for 
our  purpose. 

In  the  year  1785,  but  a  few  years  after  the  war,  we 
find  numerous  congregations  and  societies  of  breth- 
ren, in  the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and 
Virginia,  i.  e.  as  far  as  the  German  population  was 
found  in  those  States.  In  most,  if  not  in  all  those 
places,  the  Brethren  preachers  preceded  the  Metho- 
dist, and  were  in  advance  of  them  some  years. 
When  the  Methodist  preachers  first  pushed  their 
way  into  the  German  settlements    and  towns,  the 


80  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1785 

Brethren  were  the  first  people  who  received  them  to 
their  houses,  and  afforded  them  opportunities  and 
facilities  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  to  extend  the 
Redeemers  kingdom  among  them.  And  this  they 
did  gladly,  because  they  found  that  the  preachers 
called  Methodists,  preached  with  much  power  and 
assurance,  a  living  gospel,  a  living  and  heart-felt 
religion,  in  common  with  themselves.  And  though 
many  understood  the  English  language  but  indiffer- 
ently, yet  they  could  see  with  their  eyes,  and  feel  in 
their  hearts,  that  God  was  with  those  preachers  ;  and 
when  they  saw  souls  converted  to  God  by  their 
preaching,  their  joy  knew  no  bounds,  and  they  call- 
ed them  their  brethren  in  the  Lord.  This  will  ex- 
plain the  reason  why  Bishop  Asbury  loved  Otter- 
bein,  and  loved  the  brethren  as  he  did ;  and  why 
Otterbein  was  requested  to  take  part  in  his  (Asbu- 
ry's,)  ordination.  The  Bishop  was  too  noble  minded 
to  be  capable  of  being  insensible  to  the  debt  of 
gratitude,  which  he  himself  and  many  others  of  his 
brethren  owed  to  Otterbein  and  his  German  breth- 
ren. 

Hitherto,  the  brethern  had  been  alone,  for  n one- 
else  as  yet,  had  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord 
with  them,  Now  came  Francis  Asbury,  with  some 
of  his  brethren,  who  upon  acquaintance  are  found 
to  hold  the  same  doctrine,  have  the  same  living  faith, 
drink  of  the  same  spiritual  fountain,  were  baptized 
with  the  same  spirit,  urging  sinners  to  repent,  and 
withal,  being  humble  and  holy  men,  loving  God 
with  a  pure  heart,  fervently,  and  raising  up  societies 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  81 

of  devoted  people.  And  these  English  men,  call- 
ed Methodists,  found  in  the  United  Brethren  the 
same  spirit  of  grace,  and  truth  and  love;  hence  they 
were  drawn,  and  flowed  together.  A  mutual  friend- 
ship and  confidence  ensued.  This  friendship,  this 
pure  disinterested  love,  was  of  great  advantage  to 
the  cause  of  religion,  and  the  extension  of  the  reign 
of  grace.  These  brethren  when  met,  for  a  time, 
knew  no  difference,  —  had  many  happy  seasons, — 
saw  powerful  conversions,  and  extraordinary  dis- 
plays of  the  outpouring  of  the  spirit  of  God  upon 
many  people,  as  a  result  of  their  united  labors. 

Wesley's  rules,  as  far  as  they  came  in  conflict 
with,  or  would  for  a  moment  have  interrupted  or 
marred  the  festivejoy,  were  either  suspended,  or  held 
subject  to  the  higher  law  of  the  love  of  Christ,  aa 
now  seen,  and  happily  enjoyed  by  a  people  speak- 
ing different  languages,  and  being  independent 
of  each  other  in  their  denominational  character. 
But  being,  as  already  noticed,  one  in  faith,  in  hope, 
and  one  in  love. 

Would  it  were  so  now, 
Will  it  be  so  again  ?  on  earth, 
And  when  ? 

I  confess  it  is  hard  for  me  to  get  away  from  this 
sunny  spot.  The  love,  I  trust,  still  burns  within  my 
breast.  I  can  look  back,  and  yet  see  the  smiles  and 
cordial  shakes  of  the  hand,  (hands  now  cold  in  death, 
while  mine  writes  and  trembles)  the  hearty  and  joyous 
welcome,  when  Methodists  and  United  Brethren 
met.     Their  songs,  their  voices,  their  shouts  of  Hal- 


82  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1800 

lelejah,  Hallelujah,  continued  to  ring  —  rings  and 
vibrates  in  my  nervous  system,  while  I  write,  and 
thrills  my  very  soul  afresh.  Whenever  the  mind 
dwells  on  the  loveliness  of  those  past  scenes,  an 
Angel  seems  to  wisper,  it  was  then, 

That  the  morning  stars  sang  together, 
And  all  the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy  : 

We  are  constrained  to  say  — 

"  What  happy  hours  we  once  enjoyed, 
How  sweet  their  memory  still." 

"  Then  there  was  no  iniquity  in  Jacob, 

Nor  perverseness  in  Israel  ; 

The  Lord  his  God  was  with  him, 

And  the  shout  of  a  king  was  among  them." 

Conference  was  held  September  25, 1800,  in  Fred- 
erick county,  Maryland,  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Peter 
Kemp, 

PREACHERS  PRESENT. 


William  Otterbein, 
Martin  Boehm, 
G.  A.  Guething, 
C.  Newcomer, 
Adam  Lehman, 


Abraham  Draksel, 
J.  G.  Pfrimmer, 
Christian  Crum, 
Henry  Crum, 
John  Hershey, 


J.  Geisinger, 
Henry  Boehm, 
D.  Aurauf, 
Jacob  Bowlus. 


PREACHERS  ABSENT. 

John  Neiding,  Frederick  Shaffer,  Martin  Krider,  Chris.  Grosh, 
Abraham  Mayer,  G.  Fortenbaugh,  David  Snyder,  Adam  Reigle,  A. 
Hershey,  Ch.  Hershey,  Pa.,  John  Ernst,  M.  Thomas,  Md.,  Simon 
Herre,  Daniel  Strickler,  John  Senseny,  Abraham  Hiestand  and  I. 
Niswander  from  Virginia. 

At  this  Conference  there  being  a  good  represen- 
tation of  the  Church  in  general,  the  name  United 
Brethren,  with  the  addition,  in  Christ,  was  adopted. 
The  appellative,  United  Brethren,  had  characterized 
the   Brethren   as  a  distinct  body  of  Christians  for  a 


1800  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  83 

considerable  time,   previous  to  the  setting    of  this 
Conference. 

But  it  was  suggested,  {and  not  without  reason)  that 
the  name  United  Brethren,  when  used  in  papers  of 
record  partaining  to  the  Church,  in  property,  be- 
queaths, legacies  or  otherwise,  might  raise  a  legal 
inquiry  as  to  who,  or  what  Church  was  intended  by 
United  Brethren,  forasmuch  as  the  Moravians,  un- 
der Count  Zinzendorf,  1727,  had  formed  their  first 
society,  under,  and  by  the  name  United  Brethren,  or 
Unitus  Fratrum.  To  avoid  a  misapplication  in 
consequence  of  the  similarity  of  the  name,  which  it 
was  now  too  late  to  change — in  Christ,  was  added, 
and  since  then,  has  been  written  and  known  as  The 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

The  next  step  the  Conference  took,  was  to  elect 
two  brethren  to  the  office  of  superintendant,  or  bish- 
op, and  William  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm  were 
elected.  By  this,  it  is  not  to  be  understood  that  the 
Church  had  been  without  a  chief.  The  office  of 
superintendant  had  been  exercised  by  Otterbein,  up 
to  this  time,  —  not  by  right  of  election  or  choice, 
but  by  the  force  of  circumstances,  inseparately  con- 
nected with  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Church. 
All  eyes  had  been  directed  to  him  to  lead  in  counsel; 
the  preachers,  not  one  excepted,  paid  this  defference 
to  him ;  the  care  of  all  the  Churches  had  been  rest- 
ing upon  him,  and  such  was  the  love  of  obedience 
to  him,  that  if  he  said  to  one  go,  he  went;  if  to  an- 
other come,  he  came. 

Some  additional  circuits,  were   also  formed   this 


84  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1800 

year,  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and  Virginia.  The 
appointments  of  these  were  regularly  kept  up,  and 
carefully  attended  to.  To  do  this,  however,  requi- 
red that  some  of  the  brethren  tax  themselves  to  the 
fullest  extent  of  their  ability.  This  they  did  cheer- 
fully. 

The  proceedings  of  this  Conference,  were  the 
means  of  giving  an  increased  impulse  to  the  cause 
of  religion.  Ten  great  meetings  were  held  in  this 
Conference  year,  some  of  which  were  distinguished 
with  great  blessings.  Many  conversions,  and  some 
very  powerful,  took  place  at  these  meetings,  partic- 
ularly at  the  Antietum,  and  at  Abraham  Mayers. 
Here  grace  triumphed,  and  Satan  raged,  to  the  per- 
secution of  some  of  the  converts. 

And  in  Virginia  the  meetings,  we  are  rejoiced  to 
write,  were  attended  with  the  rich  effusions  of  divine 
power  and  grace.  At  some  of  these,  the  people  fell 
like  mown  grass  before  the  Lord.  The  cry  and  dis- 
tress of  soul  manifested,  was  great,  and  great  was 
the  succeeding  joy. 

But  the  preachers  for  want  of  time,  were  hurried 
away  from  these  scenes,  their  battle  fields,  while  yet 
sinners  trembled,  mourners  were  crying,  we  are  lost, 
and  tears  were  still  falling  fast  and  free.  We  said 
the  preachers  were  hurried  away,  because  the  next, 
and  then  the  next  appointment  was  pressing  on. 

Painful  and  laborious  as  these  frequent  meetings 
were,  having  but  few  hours  for  refreshment  and  rest, 
they  were  nevertheless  attended  with  good  effects 
upon  the  people.     The  reluctance   felt  to  see  the 


1800  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  85 

preachers  depart,  cast  a  melancholy  shade  over  the 
minds  of  the  convicted,  and  but  sunk  their  convic- 
tions the  deeper,  and  made  the  wounded  spirit  cry 
more  bitterly,  "  I  am  lost !  Lord  have  mercy  !  so 
that  the  parting  hour  was  often  made  the  time  of 
deliverance  and  rejoicing,  to  mourning  souls.  To 
the  preachers  it  was  a  trial  of  faith,  for  when  the  time 
to  leave  came,  here  was  the  work  apparently  half 
done.  How  can  they  leave?  They  themselves 
weep.  Their  souls  are  oppressed  with  intense  feel- 
ings. They  pray  once  more.  Faith  grows  strong. 
Blessings  descend.  A  shout  bursts  forth,  —  glory 
—  glory —  !     They  go,  and  are  happy  ! 

"  On  thy  Church,  0  power  divine, 
Cause  thy  glorious  face  to  shine  ; 
Till  the  nations  from  afar, 
Hail  her  as  their  guiding  star. 

"  Then  shall  God  with  mighty  hand, 
Scatter  blessings  o'er  the  land  ; 
And  the  world's  remotest  bound, 
With  the  voice  of  praise  resound. 

"  Lord  thy  Church  hath  seen  thee  rise 
To  thy  temple  in  the  skies  ; 
God  my  Saviour  !     God  my  King  ! 
Here  thy  ransomed  people  sing. 

"When  in  glories  all  divine, 

Through  the  earth  thy  Church  shall  shine  ; 

Kings  in  prayer  and  praise  shall  wait, 

Bending  at  thy  temple's  gate. — Pleyel's  Hymn. 


86  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1802 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Conference  of  1801  — Otterbein's  Conference  sermon — Conference  of 
1802  —  The  holding  of  great  meetings  a  new  measure  —  Love- 
feasts  in  the  rise  of  the  Church  —  their  tendency  to  unite  all 
Christians  —  Some  cases  of  experience  given  —  Sacramental  occa- 
sions. 

September  23d,  1801,  Conference  was  held  at  Bro. 
Peter  Kemps,  Frederick  county,  Md. 

There  were  present  nineteen  preachers. 

The  statements  made  by  the  preachers,  coming 
from  the  various  parts  of  the  Church  in  reference 
to  the  progress  of  the  work,  were  very  encouraging. 
Prosperity  and  success  in  winning  souls,  had  atten- 
ted  the  labors  of  the  brethren  pretty  generally  the 
past  Conference  year.  There  were  several  conver- 
sions during  Conference.  In  the  Conference,  great 
unanimity  and  brotherly  love  prevailed. 

Brother  Otterbein  preached,  as  it  was  his  custom, 
a  Conference  sermon,  from  the  Epistle  of  Jude,  verse 
20,  to  25,  inclusive.  The  reader  will  not  be  displeas  - 
ed  to  find  the  whole  text  quoted  here: 

20.  "  But  ye,  beloved,  building  up  yourselves  on 
your  most  holy  faith,  praying  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

21.  "  Keep  yourselves  in  the  love  of  God,  looking 
for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal 
life. 

22.  "  And  of  some  have  compassion,  making  a 
difference: 


1802  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  87 

23.  "  And  others  save  with  fear,  pulling  them  out 
of  the  fire  ;  hating  even  the  garment  spotted  by  the 
flesh. 

24.  "  Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from 
falling,  and  to  present  you  faultless  before  the  pres- 
ence of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy, 

25.  "  To  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory 
and  majesty,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and 
ever:  Amen." 

The  leading  features  comprised, 

I.  The  sanctity  of  the  ministerial  office. 

II.  The  servants  of  this  office  to  be  men  of  faith, 
of  prayer,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

III.  The  duties  of  the  office. 

IV.  Its  great  responsibilities. 

While  treating  on  the  responsibilities  of  the  min- 
isterial office,  tears  flowed  in  abundance,  —  preach- 
ers and  people  wept  together.  The  discourse  left 
impressions  not  soon  to  be  forgotten. 

Conference  met  at  the  house  of  Bro.  John  Cronise, 
Frederick  county,  Md.  October  6th,  1802. 

William  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm  presiding. 

The  Conference  was  opened  with  singing  and 
prayer  by  Bro.  Boehm,  and  an  address  by  brother 
Otterbein. 

The  preachers  present,  as  usual,  according  to  rule, 
were  all  examined  separately,  and  to  their  comfort 
and  joy,  no  circumstances  had  occurred  to  mar  their 
deliberations,  and  the  session  of  the  Conference  was 
closed  on  the  evening  of  the   second  day,  with  a 


88  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1802 

sermon  preached  by  Otterbein,  from   Hebrews  13: 
17,  and  exhortation  by  Bro.  Boehm. 

Nineteen  great  meetings  were  held  during  this 
year.  The  times  selected  for  holding  these  meetings, 
were  the  months  of  May,  June,  August,  September 
and  October.  The  holding  of  these  meetings  form- 
ed another  link  in  the  chain  of  reformation.  It  was 
a  new  measure,  but  one  which  was  productive  of 
much  good,  and  resulted  in  the  best  of  consequences. 
They  afforded  an  enlarged  field  of  action,  and  a 
wider  spread  of  the  knowledge  of  true  religion,  and 
a  fit  opportunity  to  enforce  the  practice  of  its  mor- 
al precepts.  Hundreds,  and  we  may  say  thousands, 
by  these  means  came  to  hear,  who  in  the  ordinary 
way  of  holding  religious  or  divine  wTorship,  would 
not  have  been  brought  under  the  saving  influence 
of  this  dispensation  of  life.  Prejudices  which  had 
taken  possession  of  the  minds  of  many,  accompa- 
nied by  a  sectarian  spirit,  were  thereby  more  or 
less  removed  or  shorn  of  their  strength,  and  the 
best  of  all  was,  many  experienced  a  change  of 
heart. 

On  the  Sabbath  day,  the  concourse  of  people  was 
frequently  such,  as  to  render  the  administration  of  the 
holy  sacrament  on  that  day,  impracticable.  When 
this  was  the  case,  the  love-feast  and  the  sacrament 
were  held  on  Monday. 

Those  love-feasts  in  the  early  days  of  the  rise  of 
the  Church,  were  peculiar  to  the  time,  and  charac- 
teristic of  the  progress  of  a  glorious  reformation, 
wrought  by  Him  who  holds  the  seven  stars  in  his 


1802  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  89 

right  hand,  and  who  said,  "  behold  I  have  set  before 
thee  an  open  door."  The  distinctive  divisions  which 
embraced  the  German  population  and  Churches, 
(as  stated  eleswhere,)  consisting  of  Lutheran,  Ger- 
man Reformed,  Mennonite  and  Dunkards,  had  pre- 
vious to  this,  and  at  this  very  period,  little  or  no 
christian  fellowship  or  communion  with  each  other 
as  Churches.  But  here  at  these  meetings  they  were 
seen  and  found  worshipping  God  together,  from  the 
four  divisions.  We  say  in  those  love-feasts,  the 
Dunkard,  the  Mennonite,  and  the  high  churchman, 
were  alternately  seen  to  rise  and  tell  their  christian 
experience.  Men  whose  heads  had  become  silver- 
ed by  age,  with  the  middle  aged  and  the  }^outh, 
testified  for  the  first  time,  that  God  had  bestowed 
upon  them  his  mercy,  and  had  pardoned  their  sins. 
The  simplicity,  the  earnestness  with  which  this  tes- 
timony was  delivered,  could  not  fail  to  carry  convic- 
tion with  it.  These  witnesses  showed  how  hard  it 
was  to  give  up  all,  in  the  midst  of  persecution,  and 
the  derision  of  friends,  and  false  comforts  of  pastors, 
and  to  persevere  in  faith  and  prayer,  until  the  bless- 
ing came. 

Two  or  three  cases  we  will  state  in  words,  nearly, 
and  we  might  say,  word  for  word  as  they  passed. 

One  arose  and  said,  "  I  was  brought  up  in  the 
Church,  I  was  catechised  and  confirmed  —  have 
been  a  member  of  the  Church  for  twenty  years,  and 
yet,  now  only  do  I  know  by  experience,  the  realities 
of  religion." 

Another  arose  and  said,  "  I  was  raised  a  Mennon- 
7 


90 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 


ite,  —  was  received  into  that  society  in  my  eighteenth 
year.  I  am  now  forty  years  old.  lied  amoral  life,, 
and  was  frequently  told  by  my  teachers,  all  was- 
safe.  But  six  months  ago,  I  found  myself  a  poor 
lost  sinner.  O  I  saw  myself  a  great  sinner,  con- 
demned by  the  word  of  God,  and  the  tribunal  of  my 
own  conscience.  My  distress  was  great,  but  God 
has  had  mercy  upon  me,  and  blessed  me.  Christ 
died  for  me.  I  love  the  Lord,  I  love  his  people.  O 
come,  you  are  all  my  brethren  !  You  Presbyterians, 
you  Lutherans,  you  my  Mennonite  brethren,  who 
have  not  yet  experienced  the  love  of  God.  I  was 
like  you —  you  know  it,  Oh  come  seek  Jesus!" 

And  yet  another  arose  tremblingly,  and  the  tears 
were  rolling  down  his  face,  "Brethren,"  said  he,  "I 
came  fifty  miles  to  this  meeting.  I  was  raised  in 
the  Church.  I  was  catechised,  and  was  praised  for 
learning  the  questions  and  answers  so  well.  I  was 
confirmed,  partook  of  the  holy  sacrament  — was  a 
member  in  the  Church  -rr  attended  preaching  faith- 
fully, and  paid  the  preachers.  I  was  considered  by 
my  neighbors  and  friends  a  good  christian,  although 
they  knew  I  sometimes  used  profane  language,  with 
other  conduct,  unbecoming  a  christian.  Some  of 
the  preachers  who  are  now  in  the  stand,  came  and 
preached  in  my  neighborhood.  I  would  not  go  to 
hear  them  myself.  The  man  who  invited  them  to 
his  house  to  preach,  had  been  a  particular  friend  of 
mine,  until  he  had  preaching  at  his  house.  He  tried 
to  reason  with  me,  but  I  would  listen  to  no  reason. 
I  said  to  him,  you  and  I  have  been  confirmed  togeth- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  91 

er,  and  are  members  of  one  Church,  what  do  you 
want  with  preaching  at  your  house  ?  Is  the  preach- 
ing we  have,  not  sufficient?  I  hope  you  are  not 
going  to  forsake  the  religion  of  your  fore-fathers. 
What  do  you  mean  by  saying  we  must  be  conver- 
ted, and  pray  to  be  saved?  This  is  a  new  religion, 
I  want  none  of  it.  Why  should  I  pray?  The 
preacher  prays  for  me,  and  I  pay  him  for  it.  I  was 
angry  and  left  him. 

"  But  it  so  happened  that  some  of  my  family  went 
to  hear  the  brethren  preach.  One  evening  news 
was  brought  me,  that  my  son  was  praying  for  mer- 
cy. Now  my  wrath  for  a  time,  knew  no  bounds, 
but  I  hoped  I  could  soon  cure  him  of  it.  I  invited 
our  preacher  to  visit  us,  believing  he  would  soon 
talk  my  son  out  of  his  praying  notions.  But  he 
referred  the  preacher  to  the  Bible,  and  the  promise 
he  had  made  in  confirmation,  which  he  had  not  kept 
and  could  not  keep,  except  God  would  give  him  a 
clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  him. 
The  preacher  became  thoughtful  and  left,  I  followed 
him  out  to  the  gate.  Well  what  do  you  say  of  my 
son  ?  '  O  it  is  best  not  to  talk  with  him  about  relig- 
ion at  this  time.  He  had  better  not  read  much  in 
the  Bible  or  Testament.  Give  him  money,  and 
keep  him  out  of  the  way  of  those  preaching  and 
prayer  meetings,'  &c,  &c.  But  my  son  continued 
praying,  and  I  kept  my  wrath.  I  now  began  to  hate 
my  neighbor,  and  wished  those  preachers  and  all 
of  them  were  dead.  1  cursed  them  in  my  heart. 
Some  time  after  this,  the   word  was  circulated  that 


92  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1802 

a  big  meeting  was  to  be  held  at  my  neighbor  Mil- 
lers. We  were  cautioned  from  the  pulpit  not  to  go 
near  it,  nor  to  hear,  lest  the  false  prophets  which 
should  come  in  the  last  time,  might  deceive  us,  and 
I  resolved  not  to  go.  But  when  the  time  for  the 
meeting  came,  on  Sabbath  morning,  I  thought  I 
might  safely  go,  and  hear  a  false  prophet,  for  I  had 
never  heard  one  preach.  I  determined  to  be  on  my 
guard,  and  to  keep  just  in  hearing  distance.  When 
I  first  saw  the  preachers  on  the  stand,  my  anger 
was  somewhat  raised  against  them  ;  after  preaching, 
however,  I  felt  calm,  and  addressed  a  friend,  saying, 
why  these  men  are  like  other  men,  only  they  would 
make  one  feel  like  a  guilty  sinner  in  the  course  of 
their  preaching. 

"  Monday  morning,  from  a  mere  desire  to  see  the 
end  of  this  meeting,  I  went  again,  and  when  one  and 
then  another  rose  up,  to  tell  their  experience,  I  was 
surprised  to  hear  men  and  women  stand  up  in  the 
congregation,  and  speak  and  talk  about  Jesus.  But 
while  some  were  telling  how  they  had  sinned  against 
God,  how  they  had  been  awakened  and  alarmed, 
how  they  had  wept  and  mourned,  and  how  the  Lord 
had  blessed  them,  and  how  they  hoped  to  meet  their 
christian  friends  in  heaven,  this  cut  me  to  the  heart. 
I  went  home,  and  what  I  had  heard  and  seen  in  that 
meeting,  followed  me  night  and  day.  Mourn  and 
pray  —  meet  friends  in  heaven  —  can  I  say  so  ?  No. 
Next  day  when  my  wife  looked  at  me,  I  thought 
she  said  to  me,  in  heaven;  my  son  too,  I  thought 
said,  in  heaven;  and  the  wind  which  blew  sharply  that 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  9rf 

day,  seemed  to  whisper,  in  heaven  !  My  peace  was 
gone,  I  saw  and  felt  that  I  was  a  great  sinner,  and 
what  to  do  I  knew  not,  or  I  did  not  want  to  know. 
I  consulted  our  preacher  again,  and  all  the  comfort 
which  I  received  from  him  was,  '  you  had  no  business 
at  that  meeting,  you  was  cautioned  not  to  go,  and 
now  if  you  be  foolish  enough  to  make  ship-wreck 
of  your  faith,  which,  however,  he  hoped  I  would  not 
do,  he  had  cleared  his  skirts  of  my  blood.  I,  and  those 
preachers  might  see  to  it.' 

"  But  said  I,  if  the  half  is  true  of  what  I  heard  at 
that  meeting,  then  I  have  no  religion,  my  own 
heart  condemns  me.  But  you  are  our  preacher, 
and  you  should  know  best. 

"  He  replied,  '  you  have  a  religion,  and  you  promi- 
sed to  live  and  die  in  this  faith,  and  this  religion  ; 
what  do  you  want  with  another  religion  ?' 

"  I  don't  want  another  religion;  I  asked  you,  (Hcrr 
Pfarrcr, )  Mr.  Pastor,  what  I  should  do  ;  I  am  a 
sinner  and  feel  condemned.  Many  at  the  meeting, 
said  they  had  experienced  great  distress  of  mind, 
but  God  had  blessed  them,  pardoned  their  sins,  and 
they  were  happy;  but  I  am  unhappy —  miserable. 
tell  me,  am  I  in  no  danger,  am  I  not  lost? 

"  He  gave  a  deep  sigh,  but  said,  '  we  are  all  poor 
sinners  in  this  world,' 

"  I  felt  a  desire  to  open  the  Bible,  and  the  first 
verse  I  read  was,  '  Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  are 
weary  and  heavy  laden,  and*I  will  give  you  rest.' 
Light  sprang  up  in  my  mind,  fear  vanished,  I  felt, 
and  now  feel  joy  and  peace  in  my  Redeemer." 


94  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1802 

Many  others  related  their  christian  experience  in 
few  words  ;  but  the  shortest  of  them  was  interesting 
and  instructive,  and  was  heightened  by  the  reflec- 
tion, that  many,  of  these  witnesses  were  persons 
more  or  less  advanced  in  life,  and  they  were  rendered 
the  more  impressive  from  the  fact,  that  nearly  all 
who  had  so  lately  obtained  a  practical  experi- 
ence, had  been  members  of  some  Church ;  but  by 
cold  formalities,  and  the  unsocial  and  repulsive  no- 
tions of  sectarianism,  had  hitherto  been  kept  apart. 
The  joy  which  they  now  felt,  the  baptism  of  love  in 
Christ,  with  which  they  had  been  baptized,  made 
them  a  people  of  one  heart,  one  mind,  one  aim,  one 
hope  of  their  calling  in  Christ ;  and  the  same  free 
spirit  of  heavenly  grace,  ruled  all  hearts.  In  the 
administration  of  the  sacrament,  distinction  of  Sects 
and  Churches  appeared  for  the  time,  to  be  lost  in 
christian  fellowship  and  love.  For  as  one,  they 
were  seen  approaching  the  Lord's  table  as  sons  and 
daughters  of  one  Father  —  even  their  Father  in 
heaven,  and  celebrating  the  dying  love  of  Jesus 
Christ,  their  glorious  Redeemer. 

These  meetings,  however  long  they  have  been  in 
use  in  the  Church,  have  not  lost  in  interest  and  vital- 
ity to  this  day.  They  have  been  most  signally  own- 
ed and  blessed  as  a  means  of  grace,  by  the  Great 
Head  of  the  Church,  and  there  is  no  doubt,  but  that 
there  are  many  in  heaven  who  have  dated  their  con- 
viction and  conversion  to  them. 

"  Oh  !  great  is  Jehovah,  and  great  bo  his  praise, 
In  the  City  of  God  he  is  King ; 


1802  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST-  95 

Proclaim  ye  his  ransomed  in  heavenly  strains, 
On  the  mount  of  his  holiness  sing. 

The  joy  of  earth,  from  her  beautiful  height, 

Is  Zion's  most  glorious  hill  ; 
The  Lord  in  her  temple  still  taketh  delight, 

God  reigns  in  her  palaces  still. 

Let  the  daughters  of  Judah  be  glad  for  thy  love, 

The  mountain  of  Zion  rejoice  ; 
For  thou  wilt  establish  her  seat  from  above, 

Wilt  make  her  the  throne  of  thy  choice. 

Go  walk  about  Zion  and  measure  her  length, 

Her  walls  and  her  watchman,  mark  well; 
Behold  her  palaces,  how  glorious  in  strength, 

In  her  towers  —  Immanuel  reigns. 

Then  say  to  your  children  —  Our  refuge  is  tried, 

This  God  is  our  God  to  the  end ; 
His  people  forever  his  counsels  shall  guide, 

His  arm  shall  forever  defend.— Montgomery, 


96  HISTORY    OF    THE   CHURCH    OF  1803 


CHAPTER  IX. 


Conference  of  1803 — Meeting  at  Shopps  —  Removal  west  of  the- 
Allegheny  mountains  —  The  power  of  the  spirit  of  God — The 
Brethren  Church  identified  with  a  blessed  work  of  grace  —  Confer- 
ence of  1804  —  Sacramental  meeting  at  Antietum — Doctor  Senseny 
of  Virginia  and  family  —  Con.  of  1805  —  Election  of  Bishops. 

Conference  met  at  the  house  of  Bro.  David  Sny- 
der, Cumberland  county ,  Pa.,  October  5th,  1803. 

Present,  William  Otterbein  and  Martin  Boehm. 

How  many  preachers  attended  at  this  Confer- 
ence, we  are  not  prepared  to  state.  The  preachers 
present  were  all  examined,  and  their  character  and 
usefulness  particularly  inquired  into.  Bro.  Chr. 
Grosh  preached  at  candle-light,  second  day  of  the 
session.  Father  Otterbein  delivered  a  very  interest- 
ing discourse.  M.  Boehm  followed  him.  In  the 
evening  Bro.  Christian  Berger  addressed  the  congre- 
gation. 

On  the  7th  Conference  closed  its  session. 

"  On  the  8th,  a  meeting  commenced  at  Br.  Shopps; 
father  Boehm  opened  the  meeting,  and  preached 
with  great  power.  The  word  reached  the  heart; 
many  were  deeply  affected.  The  slain  of  the  Lord 
were  found  lying  in  every  direction,  lamenting  and 
crying  aloud  for  mercy.  Many  obtained  peace  with 
God  in  the  pardon  of  their  sins. 

Love-feast  held  on  Sabbath  morning  ;  the  breth- 
ren and  sisters  spoke  very  feelingly,  and  with  great 


1803  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  97 

liberty  of  the  dealings  and  mercies  of  God.  It  was 
a  refreshing  season.  Father  Otterbein  preached 
with  great  power  and  energy.  The  grace  of  God 
wrought  powerfully  among  the  people.  A  man  fell 
suddenly  to  the  ground,  and  cried  for  mercy  ;  others 
were  so  affected,  that  they  were  unable  to  move 
from  where  they  were  sitting  or  standing ;  and  at 
the  close  of  the  meeting,  some  had  to  be  led,  and 
some  carried  away." —  Ncwcomci^s  Journal. 

A  gracious  revival  of  religion  took  place  this 
year,  1803,  west  of  the  Allegheny  mountains,  espe- 
cially in  what  is  called  the  Glades,  also  in  West- 
moreland and  Washington  counties,  under  the 
preaching  of  Bro,  J.  G.  Pfrimmer  and  Christian 
Berger.  Bro.  C.  Newcomer  who  visited  those  parts 
that  year,  writes  under  date  of  Nov.  10th: — 

"  Preached  at  John  Bonnets.  I  had  not  spoken 
long,  before  some  of  my  hearers  fell  to  the  floor, 
others  stood  trembling  and  crying  so  loud  that  my 
voice  could  not  well  be  heard. 

"  On  the  11th,  we  had  meeting  at  Swope's,  and 
here  the  power  of  God  was  displayed  in  a  most 
marvelous  manner.  The  whole  congregation  was 
moved,  and  seemed  to  wave  like  corn  before  a 
mighty  wind.  Lamentation  and  mourning  was 
very  general.  Many  were  the  wounded  and  slain. 
Some  of  the  most  stubborn  sinners  fell  instantly  be- 
fore the  power  of  God.  The  meeting  continued  the 
whole  night,  and  some  were  enabled  to  rejoice  in 
the  pardoning  love  of  God. 

"  On  Sunday  we  had  a  Pentecost.     From  three  to 


98  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1803 

four  hundred  persons  had  collected ;  more  than  the 
barn  in  which  we  had  assembled  for  worship,  would 
contain.  The  congregation  was  remarkably  atten- 
tive to  the  word.  Though  it  rained,  those  that  had 
no  shelter  in  the  barn,  kept  their  stand  in  the  rain. 
During  the  time  of  preaching,  the  exhibition  of  God's 
power  for  the  salvation  of  the  people,  was  seen  and 
felt.  Many  fell  from  their  seats,  some  laid  as  if  they 
were  dead.  The  weeping,  and  crying,  and  praying, 
came  from  all  parts  of  the  congregation." 

From  the  time  of  this  meeting,  twenty  years  had 
passed  away,  when  the  writer  had  the  happiness  to 
become  acquainted  with  brethren  and  sisters,  who 
at  that  meeting  had  espoused  the  cause  of  religion, 
and  who  were  still  faithful  servants  of  the  Lord. 
Some  of  these  have  I  met  in  the  far  west,  to  which 
they  had  emigrated,  and  where  they  had  raised  the 
standard  of  the  cross. 

And  though  years  had  fled  away  since  that  blessed 
period  in  their  life,  and  being  now  far  distant  from 
the  place  where  God  had  first  spoken  peace  to  their 
then  troubled  souls,  their  memory  still  lingered  with 
delight  around  that  happy  scene.  And  more  than 
this,  we  have  seen  some  of  them  spend  their  last 
hour  on  earth,  heard  their  last  prayer,  and  have 
seen  them  die  in  peace. 

And  some  we  have  seen  and  conversed  with, 
whose  recollection  of  that  meeting  had  not  faded 
from  their  mind,  but  that  recollection  was  now 
painful,  because  they  had  backslidden,  and  for  years 
had  been  cold  and  prayerless,  and  strangers  to  grace. 


1803  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  99 

But  these  confessed  that  they  had  once  enjoyed 
religion,  and  knew  when  and  where  it  had  been,  and 
the  preachers  who  ministered  unto  them  at  that  time, 
the  word.  Recollection,  what  is  it?  How  sweet  to 
the  former  —  how  condemnatory,  how  bitter  to  the 
latter. 

In  future  we  may  probably  say  but  little  on  the 
present  subject,  and  therefore  before  we  discontinue 
the  same  in  our  history,  we  will  revert  to  it  in  this 
place,  which  we  think  will  be  sufficient  for  our  pur- 
pose. 

What  subject? 

That  of  which  we  have  been  writing  in  the  preced- 
ing pages  —  "the  power  of  the  spirit  of  God"  in  the 
conviction  and  conversion  of  the  people.  And  how 
in  preaching  and  other  devotional  exercises,  that 
power  manifested  itself  in  the  effects  it  produced  in 
the  assemblies.  Not  a  simple  assent  to  the  truth, 
and  coming  with  a  tearless  eye,  and  wish  to  the 
altar  of  prayer,  there  to  obtain  mercy  and  pardon; 
but  with  a  heart  awakened  and  alarmed  by  the  ter- 
rors of  God's  holy  law,  ■ —  overcome  with  a  sense 
of  remorse,  and  feeling  pierced  with  the  arrows  of 
conviction,  and  the  soul  of  the  guilty  sinner,  agita- 
ted and  apparently  lost,  weeps,  and  prays,  and  la- 
ments its  lost  estate,  and  asks  the  question,  what 
shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ? 

Now,  should  we  see  ten,  or  twenty,  or  fifty,  or  one 
hundred  and  fifty  persons  thus  affected,  agitated 
and  alarmed,  and  fearful  of  the  just  sentence  of  the 
Judge,   praying  and   weeping  tears  of  the  deepest 


100  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1803 

sorrow  ;  what  hope  and  fear  wrould  not  spring  up  ! 
what  noise,  what  commotion,  what  intense  feelings, 
what  excitement  this  would  cause  in  all  directions: 
and  without  these  there  never  was,  and  while  men 
are  sinners,  never  will  be  a  true  reformation.  And 
what  are  the  benefits  and  advantages  which  we 
may  expect  to  reap  from  religious  meetings,  distin- 
guished and  marked  by  such  effects  upon  the  as- 
sembled multitude,  through  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel  and  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

We  put  the  question  again,  and  ask  —  and  all 
who  will,  may  ask,  with  serious  and  candid  reflec- 
tions, 

What  are  the  Benefits,  the  Advantages,  the  Re- 
sults? 

Let  those  best  competent  to  judge,  answer.  Let 
those  who  have  been  the  immediate  subjects  of  this 
excitement,  of  this  divine  power,  answer.  Let  those 
who  have  been  benefited  by  the  conversion  of  others, 
answer.  Let  the  illustrious  trophies  of  the  blessed 
gospel  in  the  hands  of  an  itinerant  ministry,  answer. 
Let  prayer-  meetings,  class-meetings  and  love-feast- 
meetings,  answer;  above  all  let  the  Word  of  God, 
the  song  of  the  Redeemed  in  heaven,  and  the  fruit- 
less remorse  of  lost  souls,  answer! 

In  view  of  this  momentous  and  sublime  subject, 
few  indeed,  if  any,  will  be  found,  who  will  be  so 
suicidal  as  to  desire  a  Church  that  is  silent  or  rejects 
this  part  of  the  economy  of  grace,  and  whose  min- 
istration is  performed  year  in,  and  year  out,  in  the 
absence  of  sinners  trembling  because  of  sin,  mour. 


1803  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  101 

ners  weeping,  and  crying  to  God  for  mercy  and 
pardon,  and  where  the  shout  of  the  blessed  of  the 
Lord,  is  never  heard  within  her  walls. 

That  the  Brethren  Church  has  been  identified 
with  a  blessed  work  of  grace,  from  the  reception  of 
the  first  ray  of  gospel  light,  which  she  was  permitted 
to  reflect,  and  which  has  from  that  period  to  the  pres- 
ent day,  continued  to  shine  around  her  with  increasing 
strength,  her  present  position  amply  sustains  ;  and 
in  a  retrospect  of  the  past,  will  be  equally  sustained 
by  the  best  of  testimony. 

From  father  Newcomer's  Journal,  dated  Glades, 
Somerset  county,  Pa.,  Nov.  19th,  1803,  we  will  make 
some  extracts  which  come  in  place  here: 

"  Preached  this  day  at  Michael  Sterner 's,  to  a  nu- 
merous congregation.  Rode  to  Zug's,  followed  by 
many  of  the  persons  whom  we  had  addressed  at 
Sterner's.  Here  we  met  with  a  still  larger  congre- 
gation. I  gave  an  exhortation,  the  hearts  of  the 
hearers  were  immediately  touched,  all  young  and 
old  began  to  cry  and  pray.  A  man  fell  to  the  floor 
and  laid  a  considerable  time  as  if  lifeless. 

"Sunday  20th.  This  forenoon  the  meeting  was 
very  full.  Addressed  the  audience  from  1st  Peter,  1: 
3,  4,  5.  Bro.  Ch.  Crum  spoke  also,  and  it  pleased 
God  to  accompany  the  word  with  power,  and  many 
cried  aloud  for  mercy.  We  dismissed  the  people,  but 
they  had  no  desire  to  depart.  I  addressed  them 
again.  We  met  again  at  candle-light,  and  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  continued  with  us.  On  every 
side  the  people  fell  to  the  floor.     Among  these,  was 


102  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1804 

a  youth  of  about  13  years  of  age.  Some  were 
struck  with  awe,  others  flew  into  a  passi'on,  taking 
hold  of  their  friends  and  carrying  them  out  of  the 
house,  saying  this  was  the  work  of  the  devil.  I  en- 
deavored to  persuade  them  with  meekness,  to  let  the 
distressed  alone,  to  have  a  little  patience,  that  God 
would  bless  their  friends,  and  restore  them  to  con- 
sciousness again ;  adding,  if  it  is  the  work  of  the 
devil,  or  the  powers  of  darkness,  your  friends  will 
curse  when  they  revive ;  and  if  the  work  is  of  God, 
they  will  pray  and  praise  the  Lord.  They  had  car- 
ried the  youth  up  stairs,  and  there  laid  him  on  a  bed, 
watching  him  with  great  anxiety.  When  he  came 
to  himself  he  began  to  praise  the  Lord,  and  exhorted 
all  around  him  in  so  wonderful  a  manner,  that  a 
number  of  them  came  in  distress,  confessing  with 
tears  that  they  had  sinned  against  God,  and  saying 
'what  shall  we  do  to  be  saved.'  They  sent  for  me 
to  come  and  pray  for  them,  for  said  they,  e  we  are 
lost  and  undone  forever.'  And  some  of  these  also 
obtained  mercy  and  pardon  ;  and  now  they  again  in 
turn,  exhorted  their  friends  to  fly  to  the  outstretched 
arms  of  sovereign  mercy." 

This  year  Conference  was  appointed  to  meet  at 
the  house  of  Bro.  David  Snyders,  Cumberland  Co., 
Pa.,  Oct.  3d,  1804. 

But  an  epidemic  fever  prevailing  to  a  great  extent, 
(such  as  had  not  been  known,)  in  Maryland  and  in 
the  vicinity  where  the  Conference  was  to  sit,  but  five 
brethren  came  to  attend,  to  wit: 


1804  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  103 

Martin  Boehm,  Frederick  Schaffer,  C.  Newcomer, 
Abraham  Mayer,  and  Matthias  Bortsfield. 

The  brethren  thus  met,  examined  the  letters,  sent 
into  the  Conference,  and  no  more  brethren  arriving, 
adjourned  the  meeting,  after  resolving  that  the  next 
Annual  Conference  should  be  held  at  Bro.  Jacob 
Baulus',  near  Middletown,  Maryland,  on  the  Wed- 
nesday before  White-Sunday,  1805. 

May  19th,  a  sacramental  meeting  commenced  at 
the  Antietum,  (Bro.  G.  A.  Guething's  house,)  at 
which  father  Otterbein  was  present,  and  preached 
on  Saturday,  from  Isaiah  51:  7,  8. 

On  the  Sabbath  Bro.  Otterbein  preached  again, 
from  Psalms  72,  with  his  usual  energy,  perspicuity, 
and  divine  power.  Under  preaching,  and  at  the 
communion  table,  tears  of  sorrow  and  of  joy  flowed 
abundantly,  and  the  wells  of  salvation  furnished  a 
rich  supply. 

Brother  Doctor  Senseny  of  Winchester  Virginia, 
died  this  year.  Bro.  Senseny  had  been  an  early 
member  in  the  Brethren  Church,  and  for  some  years, 
and  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  an  acceptable  and 
useful  preacher. 

His  business  was  the  medical  profession,  in  which 
he  was  very  successful,  possessing  much  skill  and 
talent  for  usefulness  in  that  department. 

In  his  attendance  on  the  sick,  he  had  made  it  his 
constant  practice  to  say  a  word  to  the  patient,  of 
Jesus,  the  great  Physician  of  souls,  and  often  was 
seen  to  kneel  at  the  bed  side  of  the  sick,  and  pray 
fervently.     His  exemplary  life,  his  humility,  his  love 


104  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1804 

and  kindness,  his  piety  and  charity  to  the  poor,  se- 
cured to  him  the  respect,  esteem  and  love  of  all  who 
came  within  the  sphere  of  his  acquaintance.  His 
last  illness  was  very  brief.  He  had  but  a  few  days 
notice  of  his  approaching  death.  Surrounded  by  a 
dearly  beloved  family — wife,  and  sons  and  daugh- 
ters, and  dear  brethren  in  the  Church,  and  wealth 
and  friends.  But  Bro.  Senseny  met  this  sudden  call 
of  his  Divine  Master,  with  christian  resignation,  and 
was  enabled  to  leave  this  world  with  joy  and  peace, 
saying  —  "  Lord  Jesus  I  come  !" 

Some  of  the  Doctor's  children  followed  their 
Father  in  life,  as  he  had  followed  Christ.  Saints, 
consistent  and  eminently  pious,  especially  his  son 
John  Senseny,  and  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Danner,  of 
Middletown,  Frederick  county,  Va.  Bro.  John  was 
a  happy  man,  raised  a  numerous  family  of  children. 
These,  I  have  reason  to  believe,  all  of  them  in  due 
time,  became  subjects  of  divine  grace  ;  and  some  of 
them  we  know,  have  ere  this  passed  away,  and  have 
been  taken  to  their  home  in  heaven,  and  some  are 
yet  with  us  on  earth  serving  the  Lord.  John  Sen- 
seny himself,  and  his  dear  companion,  have  also 
been  removed  to  that  rest  which  awaits  the  peo- 
ple of  God.     They  left  a  glorious  testimony  behind. 

John's  house  was  a  preaching  place,  and  the 
preacher's  friendly  home  for  many  years.  And 
there  poor  unworthy  I  had  one  of  the  best  New 
Year  meetings,  A.  D.  1815.  We  had  enjoyed  a 
glorious  revival,  and  nineteen  grown  persons  were 
baptized  on  that  memorable  occasion.     As  it  were, 


1805  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  105 

I  see  Bro.  Senseny  yet,  and  hear  his  clear  and  joyous 
voice.  His  — "  O  !  who  is  like  Jesus —  Hallelujah," 
would  sweep  across  the  lyre  of  the  soul,  in  notes 
growing  sweeter  and  sweeter  as  the  repetition  came. 
So  much  for  the  biographic  sketch  of  Doctor  Sen- 
seny, his  children,  and  children's  children,  who  in  a 
line  of  succession  have  belonged  to  the  household 
of  God,  and  Christ,  and  heaven. 

Conference  met  at  the  house  of  brother  Jacob 
Baulus,  Frederick  county,  Maryland,  May  29th, 
1805. 

Twenty  one  preachers  attended. 

Otterbein  and  Boehm  were  re-elected  superinten- 
dents. 

This  election,  or  re-election  would  have  been  held 
at  the  Conference  the  year  preceding,  but  as  stated 
from  the  general  sickness  which  prevailed  at  the 
time,  only  a  few  Brethren  had  come  to  Conference. 
M.  Boehm  was  present,  and  Otterbein  was  absent. 
This  shows  that  from  the  first  it  was  intended  to 
renew  the  election  of  Bishops  every  four  years. 

This  Conference  went  through  all  the  business 
which  came  before  it,  with  great  harmony,  and  is 
distinguished  on  one  account.  It  was  the  last  An- 
nual Conference  which  the  venerable  father  Otter- 
bein attended,  he  being  now  in  his  79th  year.  Age 
and  infirmity  denied  him,  and  the  brethren  that 
boon  for  the  remainder  of  his  life. 

Bro.  Boehm  was  at  this  time  in  his  80th  year. 
8 


106  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER  X. 


Review  af  an  account  of  Wra.  Ottcrbein  and  Martin  Boehm,  which 
will  be  found  in  the  Methodist  Magazine,  Vol.  VI,  p.  210  249  — 
Stating  that  it  was  furnished  at  the  special  request  of  Bishop  Asbu- 
ry  some  time  before  his  death,  by  his  friend  F.  Hollingsworth,  who 
transcribed  the  bishop's  journal;  and  which  will  also  be  found  in  the 
history  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  by  Nathan  Bangs,  D.  D. 
Vol.  II.  p.  365,  376. 

"  Martin  Boehm  of  whom  we  desire  to  speak ;  the 
labors  and  experience  of  his  life,  as  a  professor  of 
religion  and  minister  of  Christ,  maybe  pretty  justly 
estimated  by  what  we  learn  from  himself,  commu- 
nicated in  answers  to  certain  questions  propounded 
to  him  by  his  son  Jacob,  which  we  here  transcribe: 

Ques.  Father,  when  were  you  put  into  the  min- 
istry ? 

Ans.  My  ministerial  labors  began  about  the  year 
1756.  Three  years  afterward,  by  nomination  of 
the  lot,  I  received  fall  pastoral  orders! 

Ques.  What  was  your  religious  experience  at 
that  time  ? 

Ans.  I  was  sincere  and  strict  in  the  religious  du- 
ties of  prayer  in  my  family,  in  the  congregation, 
and  in  the  closet.  I  lived  and  preached  according 
to  the  light  I  had,  I  was  a  servant,  and  not  a  son ; 
nor  did  I  know  any  one  at  that  time,  who  could 
claim  the  birth-right  by  adoption,  but  Nancy  Keagy, 
my  mother's  sister ;  she  was  a  woman  of  great  piety 
.and  singular  devotion  to  God. 


1806  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  107 

Ques.  By  what  means  did  you  discover  the  na- 
ture and  necessity  of  a  real  change  of  heart? 

Ans-  By  deep  meditation  upon  the  doctrine  which 
I  myself  preached,  of  the  fall  of  man  —  his  sinful 
estate,  and  utter  helplessness,  I  discovered  and  felt 
the  want  of  Christ  within,  &c,  &c. 

Ques.  Were  your  labors  owned  of  the  Lord  in 
the  awakening  and  conversion  of  souls  ? 

Ans.  Yes:  many  were  brought  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  truth.  But  it  was  a  strange  work;  and  some 
of  the  Mennonist  meeting-houses  were  closed  against 
me.  Nevertheless  I  was  received  in  other  places.  I 
now  preached  the  gospel  spiritually,  and  powerfully. 
Some  years  afterward,  I  was  ex-communicated  from 
the  Mennonist  Church,  on  a  charge  truly  enough 
advanced,  of  holding  fellowship  with  other  societies 
of  a  different  language.  I  had  invited  the  Mennon- 
ites*  to  my  house,  and  they  soon  formed  the  society 
in  my  neighborhood,  which  exists  to  this  day:  my 
beloved  wife  Eve,  my  children  and  my  cousin  Kea- 
gy's  family,  were  among  the  first  of  its  members. 
For  myself,  I  felt  my  heart  more  greatly  enlarged 
toward  all  religious  persons,  and  to  all  denomina- 
tions of  christians.  Upward  of  thirty  years  ago,  I 
became  acquainted  with  my  greatly  beloved  brother 
William  Otterbein,  and  several  other  ministers;  who 
about  this  time  had  been  ejected  from  their  Churches, 
as  I  had  been  from  mine,  because  of  their  zeal, 
which  was  looked  upon  as  an  irregularity.    We  held 

Note. — Mennonites  should  certainly  be  Methodists  This  mistake 
was  overlooked  by  the  publisher,  we  suppose.  [Ed. 


108  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1806 

many  large  meetings  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland 
and  New  Virginia,  which  generally  lasted  three 
days:  at  these  meetings,  hundreds  were  made  the 
subjects  of  penitence  and  pardon.  Being  convin- 
ced of  the  necessity  of  order  and  discipline  in  the 
Church  of  God,  and  having  no  wish  to  be  at  the 
head  of  a  separate  body,  I  advised  serious  persons 
to  join  the  Methodists,  whose  doctrine,  discipline, 
and  zeal  suited,  as  I  thought,  an  unlearned,  sincere 
and  simple  hearted  people.  Several  of  the  minis- 
ters with  whom  I  labored,  continued  to  meet  in  a 
Conference  of  the  German  United  Brethren  ;  but  we 
felt  the  difficulties  arising  from  the  want  of  that 
which  the  Methodists  possessed.  Age  having  over- 
taken me  with  some  of  its  accompanying  infirmities, 
I  could  not  travel  as  I  had  formerly  done.  In  1802 
I  enrolled  my  name  on  a  Methodist  class-book,  and 
I  have  found  great  comfort  in  meeting  with  my 
brethren.  I  can  truly  say  my  last  days  are  my  best 
days.  My  beloved  Eve  is  traveling  with  me  the 
•same  road  Zionward ;  my  children  and  most  of  my 
grand-children,  are  made  the  partakers  of  the  same 
grace.  I  am  this  12th  of  April,  1811,  in  my  eighty- 
sixth  year.  Through  the  boundless  goodness  of  God, 
I  am  still  able  to  visit  the  sick,  and  occasionally  to- 
preach  in  the  neighborhood :  to  his  name  be  all  the 
glory  in  Christ  Jesus." 

To  this  Bishop  Asbury  adds  as  a  tribute  of  testi- 
mony: 

"  Honest  and  unsuspecting,  he  had  not  a  strange 
face  for  strange  people.     He  did  not  make  the  gos~ 


1806  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  109 

pel  a  charge  to  any  one,  his  reward  was  souls  and 
glory.  His  conversation  was  in  heaven.  Plain  in 
dress  and  manners,  when  age  had  stamped  its  im- 
press of  reverence  upon  him,  he  filled  the  mind  with 
the  noble  idea  of  a  patriarch." 

The  first  remark  we  make  on  the  foregoing  is, — 
That  as  father  Boehm  spoke  but  little  English  at 
best,  the  foregoing  questions  and  answers  were 
neither  written  nor  spoken  by  him  in  English.  True 
he  went  to  Virginia  in  1761;  but  not  as  Jacob  would 
have  it  understood,  before  he  had  experienced  a 
change  of  heart,  but  after  that  event.  As  to  the  state- 
ment we  have  given  of  the  cause  of  his  going  to  Va., 
we  are  safe  to  vouch  for  its  correctness,  for  we  had 
It  from  his  own  lips,  and  for  some  reason,  not  given 
by  Jacob,  may  be  kinked  or  warped  in  the  English 
version. 

The  second  exception  we  take  is,  on  the  ground 
of  enrolling  in  1802  his  name  on  a  Methodist  class- 
book.  That  his  name  was  placed  on  the  class  book 
is  true.  The  circumstances  of  which  were  as  fol- 
lows :  — 

A  meeting  house  had  been  built  on  Bro.  Boehm's 
land,  principally  by  Bro.  Boehm,  and  the  aid  of  his 
German  brethren.  Big  meetings  had  been  held  at 
that  place  at  an  early  period  of  our  history,  and  for 
many  years  thereafter.  We  will  take  notice  of  one 
of  these  meetings  at  Boehm's  meeting  house,  under 
date  of  October  17th  1801. 

A  sacramental  meeting  was  appointed  at  this 
place  —  a  great  many  people  attended;    Newcomer 


110  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1806 

spoke  first.  The  grace  of  God  was  powerfully 
present;  some  were  crying  for  mercy,  and  others 
praised  God  with  a  loud  voice.  At  the  evening 
meeting,  the  Lord  displayed  his  power  in  a  wonder- 
ful manner;  old  and  young  were  filled  with  joy; 
never  perhaps,  was  a  whole  congregation  so  happy. 
Sabbath  morning  was  a  happy  and  blessed  time 
in  love-feast ;  Bro.  D.  Strickler  spoke  first  —  Neiding 
and  Newcomer  also  addressed  the  audience.  At 
candle-light  the  house  was  very  full ;  in  a  short 
time  all  were  again  quickened,  and  gave  glory  to 
God,  for  hope  of  immortality,  and  a  foretaste  of  ce- 
lestial joy. 

See  also,  C.  Newcomer's  Journal,  p.  87. 

At  this  meeting  house,  the  Methodists  had  formed 
a  class,  previous  to  the  year  1802,  under  a  libera} 
construction  of  their  rules,  and  hence  with  the  free 
assent  of  Bro.  Boehm.  But  this  liberality  was  some 
time  after  withdrawn,  and  the  restrictive  rule  rela- 
ting to  class-meetings  and  love-feasts,  was  insisted 
on,  and  even  the  venerable  Boehm  was  not  excep- 
ted. Here  was  a  dilemma.  To  admit  Bro.  Boehm, 
the  preachers  said,  was  in  violation  of  an  express 
disciplinary  rule ;  and  to  deny  him  the  privilege  in 
his  own  meeting  house,  was  hard,  but  the  law  is  im- 
perative and  binding.  Now  comes  the  gist  of  the 
matter.  Bro.  Boehm  was  entreated,  for  form  sake 
at  least,  to  allow  his  name  to  go  on  the  class-book, 
nominally,  as  a  private  member,  and  all  would  be 
right.  To  this,  for  peace  sake,  he  consented,  and 
nothing  more. 


1806  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  Ill 

How  far  the  law  of  kindness,  of  christian  friend- 
ship and  hospitality,  and  the  law  of  pure  love,  had 
to  stand  aside  in  this  case,  we  leave  to  every  one  to 
draw  his  own  conclusions. 

As  it  was,  it  did  not  give  the  brethren  a  moments 
concern.  Nor  would  we  here  have  taken  any  no- 
tice of  it  at  all,  had  not  the  Methodist  E.  Church 
with  all  kindness,  taken  this  matter  into  her  Church 
account,  and  made  it  a  subject  of  record.  With  no 
less  courtesy  and  respect  to  that  Church,  we  felt 
bound  to  take  notice  of  it  in  our  own  history.  This 
notice  of  Messrs.  Otterbein  and  Boehm  in  the  history 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  furnishes  one 
material  evidence,  to  wit: 

That  the  United  Brethren  Church  did  not  origi- 
nate in  the  M.  E.  Church  ;  and  saves  us  the  trouble, 
if  trouble  it  might  be,  to  disclaim  that  honor,  as  far 
as  that  Church  is  concerned. 

In  conclusion  on  this  topic,  we  remark,  that  Bro. 
Boehm's  relation  to  the  Brethren  Church,  was  un- 
broken from  first  to  last,  as  has  already  bren  seen. 
This  our  Annual  Conference  proceedings  sufficient- 
ly show. 

In  1800,  in  connection  with  Otterbein,  Boehm  was 
elected  Bishop. 

Was  prevented  by  sickness  from  attending  the 
Conference  of  1801. 

Attended  Conference  in  Maryland  in  1802. 

Was  re-elected  Bishop  in  1805,  and  attended  the 
Conference  in  1809,  which  was  the  last  this  devoted 
servant  of  the  Lord,  enjoyed  with  his  brethren  in  the 


112  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1806 

Church  on  earth.  From  this  time,  to  the  time  of  his 
death,  great  age,  with  its  accompanying  infirmities 
alone  prevented  him  from  attending  an  Annual 
Conference,. 


1809  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  113 


CHAPTER  XL 


Friendly  correspondence  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal   Church. 

In  the  year  1809,  commenced  a  friendly  corres- 
pondence between  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
and  our  Church.  For  this  purpose  Bro.  C.  New- 
comer attended  the  Annual  Conference,  for  the  Bal- 
timore district,  which  was  held  in  Harrisburg,  Vir- 
ginia. That  Conference  appointed  a  committee  of 
five  Elders,  to  confer  with  Bro.  Newcomer,  on  a 
plan  of  union.  That  committee  made  a  favorable  re- 
port, and  the  Conference  resolved  to  send  a  friendly 
letter  by  Bro.  Newcomer,  to  be  delivered  to  father 
Otterbein,  also  resolved  to  send  a  messenger  to  lay 
their  report  before  our  next  Annual  Conference, 
which  was  done.  Upon  the  reception  of  this  report, 
a  letter  of  amity  and  reciprocal  friendship,  was  sent 
from  the  Brethren  Conference,  through  their  messen- 
ger to  the  Annual  Conference  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
which  met  in  Baltimore  in  1810.  This  Conference 
resolved  to  continue  the  friendly  correspondence, 
and  settle  on  the  plan  of  harmonizing  in  some  res- 
pects, with  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

This  treaty,  if  we  may  so  call  it,  of  amity  and 
friendship  rested  on  the  conviction  founded  in  Scrip- 
ture and  christian  experience,  that  a  christian 
people,  who  had  all  the  essential  and  important  ele- 
ments of  our  holy  religion,  in  doctrine,  in  faith,  ex- 
perience and   practice,  in  connection  with  a  living 


114  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1810 

and  itinerant  ministry  among  them,  and  who  occu- 
pied the  relations  of  co-workers  in  the  grea't  reform- 
ation, and  the  glorious  results  of  the  same  in  the 
nineteenth  century,  should  have  some  bond  of  union, 
some  fraternal  relations,  more  than  had  hitherto 
been  exhibited  and  cherished  by  the  great  family  of 
Protestant  Churches.  And  in  the  observance  of 
which  they  might  find  a  cause  to  vie  with  each  oth- 
er in  those  delightful  acts  of  brotherly  kindness,  and 
in  the  interchanges  in  public  worship,  as  well  as  in 
the  social  and  more  endearing  enjoyments  of  pray- 
er, class,  and  love-feast-meetings. 

February  24th,  1812,  Bro.  Newcomer  met  Bishop 
Asbury  in  Leesburgh,  Virginia.  There  the  Bishop 
invited  Bro.  N.,  to  attend  the  Philadelphia  Confer- 
ence in  April,  in  order  to  assist  in  effecting  a  link 
of  union  and  brotherly  fellowship  within  the  bounds 
of  that  Conference. 

Bro.  Newcomer  attended  accordingly  ;  and  the 
Conference  appointed  Thomas  Ware,  Bouring,  and 
Bro.  Fox,  a  committee  to  confer  with  Bro.  Newcom- 
er. The  Conference  also  resolved  that  they  would 
act,  and  go  as  far  in  this  matter  as  the  Baltimore 
Conference  had  done,  and  to  signify  the  same,  they 
addressed  a  letter  to  the  Conference  of  the  United 
Brethren,  with  a  second  resolve  to  send  two  messen- 
gers, to  consult  more  fully  on  this  subject  with  our 
Annual  Conference. 

The  points  in  this  agreement  were  but  few,  leav- 
ing each  Church  entire  and  distinct  as  they  had 
been  previous  to  this  arrangement.     The  first  was, 


1810  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  115 

that  the  meeting  houses  on  each  side  should  be 
open,  when  not  occupied  by  themselves.  Secondly, 
that  the  members  in  and  from  each  Church,  should 
be  admitted  into  the  class-meetings,  prayer-meet- 
ings, and  love-feast  meetings,  at  all  times  when 
they  should  present  themselves  for  admission. 

This  plant  was  allowed  to  live  but  a  few  years. 

The  venerable  Patriarch  in  the  M.  E.  Church, 
who  had  aided  in  planting  this  olive  plant  between 
the  two  Churches,  and  rejoiced  in  it,  had  but  just 
left  the  Church  on  earth,  and  gone  up  to  heaven;  * 
when  a  Presiding  Elder  in  that  good  Church,  in  his 
great  zeal,  declared  he  should  recognize  it  no  longer, 
and  would  close  the  door  against  the  members  of 
our  Church. 

He  began  to  do  this  without  one  word  of  warning 

in  H ,  and  in  our  own  meetinghouse,  in  which 

they  held  their  Quarterly-meeting  at  the  time.  This 
was  beginning  Judgement  at  the  house  of  God. 
We  made  no  complaint,  our  meeting  houses,  our 
class-meetings,  prayer  and  love-feast  meetings,  re- 
mained, as  they  are  to  this  day,  open  and  free. 


We  have  concluded  to  insert  at  the  close  of  this 
chapter,  some  letters  of  correspondence  between  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  the  United  Breth- 
ren. They  are,  we  think,  worth  preserving  in  this 
permanent  form.  They  show  a  sweet  spirit  of 
brotherly  love,  which  was    well  understood  by   our 

*  Bishop  Asbury  died  March  31st,  1816. 


116  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

author,  and  is  beautifully  expressed   in  the  prece- 
ding chapter. 

That  was  indeed  a  "  sunny  spot,"  and  we  hope  to 
see  the  day  when  the  whole  christian  world  will  be 
united  as  closely  in  the  bonds  of  christian  brother- 
hood. Then  this  entire  earth  will  be  a  sunny  spot 
in  the  Universe  of  God.  [Ed. 

Baltimore,  Md. 1808. 

To  the  Conference  of  the  "  United  Brethren  in  Christ." 
Very  Dear  Brethren: 

We  the  members  of  the  Baltimore  Conference,  being 
deeply  sensible  of  the  great  utility  of  union  among  Christian  Ministers; 
as  far  as  circumstances  will  permit,  in  carrying  on  the  work  of  God, 
and  promoting  the  interest  of  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom:  believing  that 
you  are  friends,  and  brethren,  engaged  in  the  same  glorious  work  with 
ourselves,  have  after  mature  deliberation,  thought  proper  to  offer  to 
you  the  following  terms,  in  order  to  establish  a  closer  and  more  per- 
manent union  among  us. 

1st.  We  think  it  advisable  for  your  own  good,  and  prosperity,  that 
each  Minister  or  Preacher,  who  is  acknowledged  by  the  "  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,"  should  receive  from  their  Conference  a  regular 
license;  which  may  introduce  them  to  our  Pulpits,  and  Church  privi- 
leges, and  thereby  prevent  impositions,  as  there  are  many  who  profess 
to  be  in  union  with  you,  that  are  not  acknowledged  by  you.  And  we 
would  farther  advise,  that  you  favor  each  of  our  Presiding  Elders, 
with  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  Ministers  so  acknowledged  and  licen- 
sed by  you  within  the  bounds  of  his  district,  that  there  may  be  no 
difficulties  in  admitting  them  to  onr  privileges.  And  we  would  fur- 
ther observe,  that  all  our  traveling  Ministers  aud  Preachers,  have  their 
names  printed  in  the  minutes  of  our  Annual  Conferences,  and  our 
local  Ministers  and  Preachers,  have  credentials  of  ordination,  or  a 
written  license,  and  we  hope  that  you  will  admit  none  to  your  privi- 
leges, calling  themselves  Methodist  Preachers,  but  such  as  have  their 
names  on  the  minutes,  or  licensed  as  above  mentioned. 

2nd.  As  we  have  long  experienced  the  utility  of  a  Christian  Disci- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  117 

pline,  to  prevent  immorality  among  our  people;  we  would  earnestly 
recommend  to  you,  to  establish  a  strict  Discipline  among  you,  which 
may  be  a  "defence  on  your  glory."  Our  Discipline  is  printed  in  your 
language,  and  we  would  recommend  it  to  your  consideration,  to  adopt 
it,  or  any  part  of  it,  that  you  in  your  wisdom  may  think  proper;  or 
any  other  form  that  you  may  judge  best.  And  that  under  a  Discipline 
so  established,  you  make  use  of  every  Christian  and  prudential  means, 
to  unite  your  members  together  in  societies  among  yourselves;  by 
these  means  we  think,  your  people  will  become  more  spiritual,  and 
your  labors  be  more  successful  under  the  blessing  of  God. 

3d.  All  those  members  among  you,  who  are  united  in  such  societiesy 
or  may  hereafter  be  united,  may  be  admitted  to  the  privileges  of  Class- 
meetings,  Sacraments  and  Love-feasts  in  our  Church:  provided  they 
have  a  certificate  of  their  membership,  signed  by  a  regularly  licensed 
Preacher  of  your  Church.  And  to  prevent  inconveniences,  we  wish 
you  to  furnish  each  of  our  Preachers  with  a  list  of  the  names  of  all 
such  members  as  may  be  in  the  bounds  of  their  respective  circuits, 
that  they  may  know  who  are  your  members. 

In  order  farther  to  establish  this  union,  which  we  so  much  desire,  we 
have  given  particular  instructions  to  our  Presiding  Elders  and  Preach- 
ers who  have  the  charge  of  districts,  and  circuits,  where  the  "  United 
Brethren  in  Christ"  live,  to  admit  your  Preachers  and  members  as 
above  specified,  to  our  privileges;  and  also  to  leave  a  list  of  the  names 
of  your  Preachers  and  members  in  the  bounds  of  their  respective  dis- 
tricts or  circuits,  for  their  successors,  that  they  may  have  no  difficul- 
ties in  knowing  who  you  acknowledge  as  Preachers  «sr  members. 

Thus  dear  Brethren  you  may  see,  that  we  sincerely  wish  to  accom- 
modate you  as  far  as  we  can  consistent  with  the  Discipline  which  binds 
us  together  as  a  spiritual  people.  We  think  that  we  have  proposed  to 
you,  such  terms  of  accommodation  as  will  meet  your  wishes;  and  if 
carried  into  operation  among  you,  we  hope,  and  believe  a  door  will  be 
opened  for  general  usefulness  among  and  with  each  other.  We  are 
persuaded  that  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  will  smile  on  us,  and 
own  our  labors  of  love,  and  we  shall  be  blest  in  seeing  our  children  con- 
verted to  God  !  And  become  useful  members  of  that  Church,  which 
they  may  choose. 

And  now  dear  Brethren,  we  commend  you,  and  your  charge  to  God; 
praying  that  the   Lord  may  be  with  you,  and  bless  you,  in  your  Con- 


118  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

ference,  and  bless  your  honest  labors  to  promote  his  glory,  and  the  in- 
terests of  Christ's  Kingdom  in  the  world.  < 
We  are,  dear  Brethren, 

your  sincere  friends, 

and  Brethren  in  Christ. 
Signed  by  order,  and  in  behalf  of  the  Conference. 

FRANCIS  ASBURY, 
WILLIAM  McKENDREE. 


Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  May  10th,  1809. 
To  the  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.. 

Much  respected  Brethren  in  Christ: 

Being  in  Conference  assembled  ;  and  after  taking  into 
serious  consideration  all  those  points  concerning  a  closer  union  be- 
tween the  "United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  and  that  of  the  "  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,"  as  they  have  been  proposed  by  an  Epistle  from 
the  late  Baltimore  Conference;  directed  to  us:  as  also;  verbally  by  two 
of  your  Ministers,  namely,  James  Hunter  and  Jas.  Smith.  It  does 
appear  that  the  fundamental  Christian  doctrine,  as  held  by  both  socie- 
ties, to  be  the  same;  and  all  the  difference  existing  between  the  two,  is 
in  relation  to  some  external  Church  regulations. 

Truly,  it  is  to  be  lamented  —  that  not  only  in  these  latter  days,  but 
throughout  the  past  centuries  by  the  setting  up  and  obtruding  of  opin- 
ions, immense  harm  has  been  done;  yet  our  Conference  does  not 
mean  by  this  animadversion,  to  hint  as  though  umbrage  was  taken,  in 
view  of  your  late  Epistle  to  us,  but  barely  mention  it  as  a  matter  of 
reflection.  As  to  the  first  point  proposed,  concerning  a  written  license 
to  be  given  to  our  Preachers,  we  must  here  inform  you,  that  we  had 
already  come  to  a  conclusion  as  to  that  matter,  but  yet  till  now  there 
were  some  among  us,  who  had  not  received  a  formally  written  license, 
but  shall  be  supplied  with  them  in  future,  and  such  as  may  refuse 
them,  we  wish  you  to  look  upon,  not  as  Ministers  ordained  by  us;  for 
we  do  not  intend  to  receive  any  professing  to  belong  to  your  Confer- 
ence, except  they  have  a  certificate,  or  license  from  the  same. 

This  we  conceive  to  be  highly  necessary  in  order  to  prevent  imposi- 
tion from  being  practiced  upon  us. 

In  relation  to  the  second  point,  concerning  a  token  to  be  given  to  all 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  119 

our  members  by  our  respective  Preachers,  in  order  that  they  m;iy  find 
access  to  the  Lord's  Supper  at  protracted  meetings,  and  the  like,  in 
your  Church,  as  above  mentioned,  we  think  it  proper  and  are  perfectly 
willing  to  agree,  with  that  order  which  becomes  the  Christians. 

Concerning  the  tbird  point:  we  would  say,  in  respect  to  such  as  in- 
dulge in  an  unchristian  course  of  conduct,  or  conversation,  that  they 
shall  remain  deprived  of  Christian  fellowship  and  communion,  as  long 
as  they  remain  impenitent,  and  neglect  to  amend  their  ways.  Thus  if 
we  continue  not  to  do  unto  others  that  which  we  would  not  wish  done 
unto  us,  and  thus  being  guided  by  the  influence  of  grace  divine,  we 
are  confident  that  jars  will  soon  subside  and  contention  die  forever. 
Any  farther  points  to  be  considered,  will  be  deferred  to  the  sitting  of 
our  next  Conference.  May  the  God  of  love  deign  to  unite  us  still  clo- 
ser in  the  bonds  of  peace  here,  and  throughout  eternal  ages. 

Be  assured  of  our  sincere  love,  as  fellow  laborers  in  the  cause  of 
Christ. 

Signed  by  order,  and  in  behalf  of  the  Conference. 

MARTIN  BOEHM, 
GEORGE  A.  GEETING, 
CHRISTIAN  NEWCOMER. 


To  the  "  United  Brethren  in  Christ." 
Dear  Brethren: 

We  hereby  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  tho  letter  of  the 
Conference  of  the  United  Brethren,  bearing  date,  May  10th,  1809; 
and  are  pleased  to  observe,  that  you  are  fully  sensible  of  the  propriety 
of  mutual  letters  of  recommendation,  both  for  preachers  and  members 
of  the  two  societies  who  may  wish  to  participate  in  each  others  privi- 
leges. We  most  earnestly  encourage  you  to  persevere  in  so  useful  a 
determination,  and  give  it  the  fullest  effect,  as  not  only  the  two  socie- 
ties, but  the  church  of  Christ,  and  the  cause  of  God  in  general,  are  in- 
terested in  the  detection  of  imposition  among  us. 

Your  determination  to  postpone  the  consideration  of  the  subject  of 
Discipline,  until  your  next  Conference,  makes  it  improper  for  us  to 
resume  that  subject;  presuming  that  you  had  sufficient  reasons  for  so 
doing.  We  should  have  been  highly  gratified  if  it  had  been  consistent 
with  your  circumstances  to  have  given  a  final  decision  on  the  principles 


120  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

of  the  union  which  we  proposed;  and  which  we  conceive  is  devoutly 
to  be  desired  by  the  two  societies.  We  are  thankful  to,  find  that  the 
spirit  of  christian  and  brotherly  love  still  prevails  among  you  toward 
us;  and  do  assure  you,  that  we  reciprocate  the  affection,  and  hope  nev- 
er to  do  to  you  otherwise  than  we  would  have  you  do  to  us;  and  shall 
continue  to  receive  with  an  attention  suitable  to  their  importance,  any 
communication,  which  you  may  deem  proper  to  forward  to  us. 

Wishing  you  great  peace  in  your  own  souls,  and  great  harmony  in 
your  Conference,  and  great  success  in  your  ministerial  labors, 

We  remain  your  Brothers  and  fellow  laborers  in  the  kingdom  and 
patience  of  Christ. 

Signed  in  the  behalf  of  the  Conference. 

JOSEPH  TOY,  Sec'y 


Address  to  the  "United  Brethren  in  Christ." 
Dearly  Beloved  Brethren: 

Having  received  your  letter,  &c,  &c,  we  final- 
ly agree  with  you  to  give  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  to  preach  the 
gospel  of  a  Crucified  Redeemer,  and  work  together  in  spiritual  peace 
and  harmony,  to  bring  lost  sinners  home  to  God,  through  repentance 
and  holiness.  And  we  further  agree  with  you,  that  our  preaching 
houses  of  public  worship,  shall  be  open  to  all  your  preachers  who  have 
license  from  you.  Likewise  it  is  our  earnest  wish,  that  you  should 
open  all  your  public  preaching  houses  to  all  our  preachers  that  have 
written  license  from  us.  We  also  inform  you,  that  we  have  regula- 
tions upon  record  to  walk  by.  To  direct  our  preachers  to  keep  class- 
meetings,  or  to  form  classes  at  any  place  they  think  proper,  &c.  And 
lastly  we  give  unto  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  assure  you 
that  we  shall  always  as  much  as  in  our  power  lies  to  do  unto  you,  as 
we  wish  you  to  do  unto  us.  We  also  crave  an  interest  in  your  prayers, 
and  assure  you  that  it  is  our  full  desire  to  live  in  as  close  a  connection 
with  you  as  the  nature  of  the  case  will  admit,  to  bear  with  each  other 
in  love;  and  holding  the  same  principles,  and  preaching  the  same  doc- 
trines, will  not  suffer  smaller  things;  and  only  the  shadows  of  religion 
to  separate  us  from  each  other. 

An  extract  from  the  Journal  of  1810. 

NICHOLAS  SNETHEN 
Christian  Newcomer. 


1811  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  121 

An  address  from  the  Baltimore  Annual  Conference,  to  the   "United- 
Brethren  in  Christ.'''' 
Dearly  Beloved  Brethren: 

We  have  received  your  affectionate  letter,  with 
hearty  thankfulness,  that  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
God  of  all  peace  and  consolation,  has  inclined  your  hearts  to  unite  in 
the  bonds  of  the  Gospel,  to  walk  in  love  as  Christ  also  hath  loved  us, 
and  given  himself  for  us. 

We  consider  now,  if  we  have  not  misunderstood  you,  that  we  are 
fully  agreed  in  respect  to  the  necessity  of  union  and  a  mutual  endeavor 
to  accomplish  it.  We  have  therefore  directed  and  instructed  all  our 
Presiding  Elders  and  Preachers,  whose  business  it  may  be  to  consult 
with  the  United  Brethren  in  their  several  districts  and  circuits,  about 
the  most  expedient  form  of  carrying  the  proposed  union  into  effect. 
To  our  own  forms  of  license  and  certifications,  &,c,  we  presume  you 
can  have  no  objections,  as  they  have  been  of  long  use  among  us.  If 
you  have  already  a  fixed  form,  we  shall  cheerfully  accept  it;  and  would 
only  advise,  that  if  you  have  one  yet  to  fix  upon,  you  may  bear  in 
mind,  whether  it  will  not  be  proper  to  be  somewhat  uniform  in  the 
formation  of  the  License,  for  your  Preachers,  and  the  Certificates  for 
your  members,  but  should  you  see  proper  to  vary  in  different  places, 
our  brethren  are  instructed  to  make  no  objections  on  that  head;  but 
merely  to  seek  for  information  and  conform  to  your  usage  accordingly. 

You  will  please  then,  Dear  Brethren,  to  accept  from  us  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship,  and  our  assurances,  that  all  our  preaching  houses 
shall  be  open  to  your  licensed  preachers,  as  far  as  our  power  and  ad- 
vice may  be  extended,  (for  some  of  our  houses  may  be  under  the  con- 
trol of  trustees,)  and  that  our  sacraments,  love-feasts  and  class-meet- 
ings shall  be  open  to  your  members,  who  apply  with  such  form  of 
certification  as  you  may  judge  proper,  according  to  our  proposals,  sent 
to  you  from  the  Harrisburg  Conference. 

As  soon  as  our  Presiding  Elders  and  Preachers  return  to  their  res- 
pective districts  and  circuits,  we  shall  consider  this  union  as  having 
fully  commenced  on  our  part.  But  we  propose  to  keep  open  an  inter- 
course between  the  two  Conferences:  to  improve  and  perfect  the  plan, 
as  far  as  experience  may  furnish  matter  of  improvement. 

We  hope  to  hear  from  you  at  our  next  Annual  Conference.  And 
we  invite  you  to  exercise  the  fullest  confidence  in  us  in   your  corros- 


122  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1811 

pondence.  Having  given  you  this  invitation,  we  take  the  same  liberty. 
We  hope  you  will  not  indulge  for  a  moment,  a  suspicion  that  we  wish 
to  interfere  in  your  Conference  and  Church  concerns.  There  will 
constantly,  no  doubt,  be  many  in  both  Churches,  not  disposed  to  be- 
come privileged  members;  none  of  our  regulations  can  have  any  ef- 
fect upon  such.  But  knowing,  as  we  both  do,  the  imperfections  of 
human  nature,  we  cannot  help  foreseeing  that  offences  will  come  be- 
tween the  ministry  and  members  of  the  two  Churches,  who  claim 
privileges.  Now  we  think  that  some  plan  ought  to  be  agreed  upon 
for  the  settlement  of  all  such  difficulties.  As  nothing  can  now  be 
done  decisively,  we  beg  leave  to  propose  the  following  plan  for  consid- 
eration. 

First. — If  any  preacher  or  member  of  either  Church,  claiming  to 
be  a  privileged  preacher  or  member  in  the  other,  shall  be  accused  of 
any  thing  contrary  to  christian  prudence,  or  christian  conduct,  by  the 
Church  in  which  he  may  be  a  privileged  preacher  or  member;  the  ac- 
cusation shall  be  made  to  the  Conference  or  Church  in  which  he  is  in 
regular  membership,  who  shall  try  and  judge  accordingly;  but  in 
cases  of  this  kind,  if  the  difficulty  be  not  settled  according  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  Conference  or  church-meeting,  bringing  the 
accusation;  his  brethren  shall  advise  and  request  him  to  deisst 
from  the  use  of  the  privileges,  and  to  confine  himself  to  his  own  proper 
Conference  or  Church. 

Second.  —  No  preacher  or  member,  who  shall  have  been  excluded  by 
one  Conference  or  Church,  shall  be  received  by  the  other. 

Third.  — As  often  as  may  be  convenient,  a  messenger  shall  be  sent 
with  any  letter  which  shall  be  addressed  from  one  Conference  to  the 
other,  with  instructions  to  explain  any  difficulties 

We  invite  our  Beloved  Brother  Newcomer  to  a  seat  in  our  Confer- 
ence, as  your  messenger;  and  he  is  doubly  dear  to  us  as  a  messenger  of 
such  joyful  tidings  of  brotherly  love  from  you.  "  How  beautiful  upon 
the  mountains  are  the  feet"  of  all  the  messengers  of  mercy,  love, 
peace  and  good  will. 

We  have  the  happiness  to  inform  you  that  we  have  enjoyed  great 
harmony  and  love  in  our  Conference;  and  by  what  we  can  learn  of 
the  state  of  religion  at  present,  we  have  many  tokens  of  good,  and 
abundance  of  evidence  that  God  is  waiting  to  be  gracious. 

Wishing  you  peace  and  prosperity  in  the  kingdom -and  patience  of 


1811  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  123 

our  Lord  Jesus  Christ     We  remain  your  affectionate  Brethren  in  the 
bonds  of  christian  fellowship. 
March  27,  1811.  JOSEPH  TOY,  Sec'y. 


An  address  from  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Conference. 

Dearly  Beloved  Brethren  in  Christ: 

We  have  received  your  affectionate  letter, 
bearing  date,  March  27th,  1811,  by  our  Brothers  Borg  and  Swertzwel- 
der,  with  much  joy  and  thankfulness:  seeing  therein,  that  the  God  of 
love  has  united  your  hearts  in  peace  and  harmony  with  us;  to  unite 
more  and  more  together  in  the  bonds  of  the  Gospel.  We  are  certain 
Brethren,  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  children  of  the  light,  we  shall  ere 
long  be  of  one  heart  and  one  mind,  seeing  likewise  blessed  fruits  of  our 
Union  together  in  a  measure  already,  and  the  glorious  prospect  before 
us,  we  do  not  hesitate  a  moment  longer  to  give  you  the  right  hand  of 
christian  fellowship;  again,  we  have  now  formed  our  membership  into 
classes  as  much  as  possible,  however  there  are  a  number  yet  among  us, 
who  have  not  joined  with  us  in  this  privilege  so  long  delayed  by  us, 
we  earnestly  hope  that  you  will  instruct  your  traveling  preachers  to 
bear  with  such,  as  much  as  the  order  of  your  church  will  admit.  We 
would  further  inform  you  that  we  have  drawn  up  some  regulations  or 
discipline  among  us,  and  shall  endeavor  more  and  more,  to  put  them 
into  effect  among  ourselves  and  our  members. 

Any  preacher  or  private  member  expelled  from  your  Church,  will 
not  be  received  by  us,  to  the  fellowship  of  saints  in  Christ;  and  we  do 
hope  that  you  will  do  the  same,  in  relation  to  those  expelled  by  us,  at 
least,  until  sufficient  reason  be  found  of  their  repentance,  and  good 
fruits. 

We  likewise  hope  that  our  mutual  friendship  and  love  to  each  other, 
will  be  increased  yet  more  and  more,  and  that  the  intercourse  by  letter 
and  messengers  from,  and  to  each  Conference,  may  be  kept  up  yearly, 
through  which  medium  difficulties  may  be  readily  adjusted,  and  more 
especially  as  such  messengers,  or  communications  will  be  joyfully  re- 
ceived by  us,  and  appreciated  in  the  best  possible  way. 

And  lastly;  may  the  God  of  all  peace  and  consolation,  who  has  uni- 
ted our  hearts  together  in  the  gospel,  spread  his  militant  Church  by  us 


124  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

from  pole  to  pole. — And  finally  when  time  is  no  more,  make  us  one 
and  all,  members  of  his  Church  triumphant,  to  praise  God,  and  the 
Lamb  forever. — Remember  us  before  the  throne  of  God  is  the  earnest 
prayer  of  your  affectionate  Brethren;  wishing  you  peace  and  prosper- 
ty  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  We  re- 
main your  affectionate  Brethren  in  the  bonds  of  christian  fellowship. 
Signed  by  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Conference. 

CHRISTIAN  NEWCOMER. 
May  25th,  1811. 


An  address  from  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Conference,  assembled  at  Lees- 
burgh,  to  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

TO  THE  CONFERENCE  OF  THE  UNITED  BRETHREN. 

Grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  yon,  through  our  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour Jesus  Christ.  Behold  how  good  and  pleasant  a  thing  it  is  for 
brethren  to  dwell  in  unity.  May  the  holy  leaven,  leaven  the  whole 
lump.  We  do  most  cordially  aud  sincerely  join  with  you  in  praying 
that  he  who  has  united  our  hearts  in  the  Gospel,  may  make  us  instru- 
mental in  assisting  to  spread  his  Militant  Church  from  pole  to  pole, 
and  finally,  when  time  is  no  more,  make  us  one  and  all  members  of 
the  Church  triumphant,  to  praise  God  and  the  Lamb  forever  and  ever. 

We  have  the  happiness  to  inform  you  that  we  do  not  recollect  when 
we  had  so  gracious  a  sitting  together.  "  Our  peace  surpasseth  all  un- 
derstanding, and  our  joy  is  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory."  We  taste 
unspeakable  bliss.  "  The  power  of  the  Highest  overshadowed  us, 
and  the  glory  of  God  is  in  in  the  midst  of  us,"  hallelujah! 

We  have  instructed  our  preachers  to  deal  very  tenderly  with  those 
members  of  your  Church  who  have  not  fully  come  into  our  measures 
of  union,  as  far  as  the  rules  and  orders  of  our  Church  will  admit;  hop- 
ing and  trusting  that  you  will  still  do  all  in  your  power  to  promote  and 
extend  the  spirit  and  practice  of  Discipline  among  them;  it  being  evi- 
dent that  our  mutual  success  depends  upon  our  union,  wherever  our 
lines  of  labor  come  together. 

We  agree  with  you  in  the  advantage  of  correspondence  and  an  in- 
terchange of  messengers.  Bro.  Newcomer  was  received  by  us,  and 
we  have  appointed  our  Brothers  Alfred  Griffith   aiul  John  Swortzwel- 


1812  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  125 

der,  as  messengers  to  your  next  Conference,  with  whom  you  may  con- 
sult on  any  subject  relative  to  the  desired  object  of  a  final  and  perfect 
harmony. 

We  remain,  dear  Brethren,  your  affectionate  fellow-laborors,  in  the 
bonds  peace.  NICHOLAS  SNETHRN 

March  26,  1812. 


An  address  to  the  Conference  of  ike  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  assem- 
bled in  Baltimore,  from  the  United  Brethren  Church. 
Dearly  Beloved  Brethren  : 

When  the  members  of  the  Conference  of  the  United 
Brethren  assembled  at  G.  A.  Guething's,  with  the  greatest  satisfaction, 
we  mention  the  receipt  of  your  address  from  Leesburgh.  Our 
souls  have  been  truly  refreshed:  particularly  when  we  received  the 
news  of  love,  uniting  our  kindred  souls.  We  will  adopt  the  language 
of  the  royal  Psalmist  with  you;  "  'Tis  good  and  pleasant  for  brethren 
to  dwell  together  in  unity."  We  do  cordially  and  sincerely  pray  that 
Jehovah  may  make  us  individually  instrumental  in  spreading  his 
blessed  cause,  and  extending  his  Militant  Church  from  the  rivers  to  the 
«nds  of  the  earth.  We  rejoice  with  you,  that  the  power  of  the  Lord 
was  in  your  midst;  our  hearts  also  burned  with  love  while  consulting 
on  the  welfare  of  Zion. 

We  are  truly  thankful  for  the  delicacy  and  tenderness  intimated  in 
your  letter,  as  touching  those  members  of  our  Church  that  may  not 
as  yet,  be  divested  of  certain  peculiarities.  But  we  humbly  hope  that 
the  mists  will  ere  long,  through  the  effulgence  of  gospel  day,  be  disper- 
sed from  every  mind.  We  have  in  many  places,  succeeded  in  forming 
class-meetings  and  extending  discipline,  and  as  far  as  prudence  shall 
dictate,  we  will  pursue. 

An  interchange  of  messengers  and  correspondence,  will  still  be 
deemed  a  favor.  Brothers  A.  Griffith  and  J.  Swertzwelder,  were 
thankfully  received  by  us;  with  whom  we  had  the  happiness  to  con- 
sult on  the  much  desired  subject  of  permanent  peace  and  harmony. 

Bro.  G.  A.  Guething  and  C.  Newcomer,  were  instructed  as  messen- 
gers to  you.     Finally,  brethren,  may  the  God  of  love  and  peace  unite 


126  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

our  hearts  and  efforts  in  the  indissoluble  bonds  of  Jesus'  love;  is  the 
prayer  of  your  fellow-laborers  in  the  blessed  gospel  of  peace. 

Signed  in  behalf,  and  by  consent  of  the  Conference. 

CHRISTIAN  NEWCOMER. 

Washington  Co.,  Md.  May  13,  1812. 


1811  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  1*27 


CHAPTER   XII. 


Bro.  Peter  Kemp  —  his  death  —  John  Hershey  —  character  —  death 
—  Death  of  Martin  Boehm  — Conference  of  1812  —  Close  of  the 
life  of  G.  A.  Guething. 

In  the  year  1811,  two  of  the  preachers  were  called 
to  rest  from  their  labors.  Peter  Kemp  and  John 
Hershey. 

Bro.  P.  Kemp  died  at  his  residence  near  Frederick- 
town,  Maryland,  February  26th,  1811.  He  had  been 
an  early  and  efficient  supporter  of  the  rising  Church. 
His  house  for  many  years,  had  been  the  preacher's 
home,  and  continued  to  be  so  long  after  his  decease. 
Some  time  in  the  night,  he  was  asked  by  a  brother, 
whether  the  love  of  Christ  was  present  with  him  ? 
He  answered,  "  O  yes,  bless  the  Lord,  I  shall  soon 
be  with  him."  He  began  to  sink  slowly,  till  in  the 
morning  between  5  and  6  o'clock,  he  expired  in  the 
arms  of  Jesus,  while  the  family  and  friends  were  en- 
gaged in  prayer  around  his  dying  bed. 

Bro.  G.  A.  Guething  preached  the  funeral  discourse 
from  Psalm  8:  5. 

Eight  days  had  scarcely  passed  from  the  depar- 
ture of  Bro.  Kemp,  when  the  Church  was  called 
upon  to  part  with  another  of  her  beloved  sons  in  the 
gospel. 

Bro.  John  Hershey  departed  this  life  at  his  home, 
near  Hagerstown,  Maryland,  March  4th,  1811.  Like 
Bro.  Kemp,  Bro.  Hershey  was  a  long,  a  loving,  and 


128  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1812 

a  tried  friend  in  the  cause  of  that  religion  which  he 
honored  and  adorned,  by  his  pious  and  upright  man- 
ner of  living  in  this  world;  as  one  who  knew  that 
when  this  earthly  house  should  be  dissolved,  he  had 
a  building  of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens.  Bro.  Hershey  was  a  co- 
worker with  Newcomer,  Guething  and  Otterbein. 
In  him  the  Church  lost  a  dear  friend;  but  she  has 
had,  and  still  has  the  consoling  reflection,  that  his 
descendants  in  righteousness,  have  flourished  like 
the  palm-tree,  and  have  stood  by  the  Church  in  her 
trials,  and  have  answered  a  father's  prayer,  and 
legacy  bequeathed  with  his  dying  breath. 

"The  Church  has  wept 

Iu  sadness  o'er  the  loss, 
in  Christ  they  sleep; 


Who  bore  on  earth  his  cross. 
And  from  the  grave  their  dust  shall  rise, 
In  Christ's  own  Image  to  the  skies!" 

This  year  in  our  history  is  remarkable,  as  well  as 
some  of  the  preceding  years,  for  an  increase  in  re- 
ligious interest,  and  numerous  accessions  to  the 
Church.  But  it  is  marked  in  our  record,  with  the 
important  event  of  two  of  the  fathers  of  the  Church, 
being  taken  suddenly  away  from  her  embrace. 

Bro.  Martin  Boehm  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  March 
23d,  1812.  His  days  of  illness  were  but  few.  For 
a  person  of  his  age,  he  had  enjoyed  a  remarkable 
good  state  of  health.  He  was  still  active,  and  able 
to  ride  some  short  distance,  till  within  a  few  days  of 
his    dissolution.     But   death  was  to    come,  and  it 


1812  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  129 

came,  and  found  this  servant  of  the  Lord  ready. 
The  icy  hand  of  death  diminished  the  vital  flame 
gradually,  and  without  much  pain.  No  one  thought 
him  near  dying  at  the  first  indisposition,  but  death 
had  begun  to  loose  the  silver  cord,  and  to  show  its 
effects,  by  symptoms  of  increasing  debility  and  weak- 
ness. He  asked  to  be  raised  up  in  the  bed, —  said 
he  wished  to  sing  and  pray  once  more  before  he 
left,  which  he  did,  with  a  clear  and  distinct  .voice. 
This  done,  he  desired  to  be  laid  back  on  his  pillow, 
and  behold  he  was  no  more  ! 

His  remains  rest  with  others,  in  the  cemetery  near 
his  meeting  house,  overlooking  the  home-stead. 
A  fit  resting  place  for  the  earthly  remains  of  such  a 
saint  — 

THE 

EEV.  MARTIN  BOEPIM: 

AGED  86  YEARS,  3  MONTHS,  AND  11  DAYS. 
PREACHED    FIFTY-FOUR    YEARS. 

Conference  met  at  the  Antietum,  May  12th,  1812. 

Bro.  G.  A.  Guething  presided  at  this  Conference, 
which  was  his  last.  No  one  anticipated  such  an 
event.  He  appeared  in  reasonable  health,  and  re- 
markably good  spirits.  Bro.  Guething  accompani- 
ed by  his  wife,  went  to  the  City  of  Baltimore,  to 
spend  a  week  or  two  with  his  dearly  beloved  Bro. 
William  Otterbein,  and  other  Baltimorian  brethren. 
But  becoming  somewhat  indisposed,  he  shortened 
that  visit,  and  left  the  City  for  home  —  put  up  at 
Mr.  Snyders,  about  30  miles   from  the  City.     Here 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1812 

the  indisposition  increased  during  the  night.  Early 
in  the  morning,  he  enjoyed  a  little  rest,  conversed 
with  his  companion,  and  Mrs.  Snyder,  about  the 
christian's  hope,  and  the  prospects  of  a  glorious  im- 
mortality. He  became  silent,  and  then  said,  "  I 
feel  as  though  my  end  had  come .  Hark — hark — who 
spoke,  whose  voice  is  this  I  hear!  Light  —  light, 
what  golden  light.  Now  all  is  dark  again ;  please 
help  me  out  of  this  bed."  They  did  so.  "Now  let 
us  sing. 

Komm'  du  lang  verlangte  Stunde, 

Komm'  du  Lebensgeist  von  oben; 
0  wie  soil  mein  froher  Munde, 

Jesu  deine  Treue  loben; 
Wann  mich  deine  Liebesmacht, 

Dir  zu  dienen  frei  gemacht. 

(translation  .) 

Come  thou  long  expected  moment, 

Come  thou  spirit  from  on  high, 
'Tis  thy  call  my  Lord  and  Master; 

How  shall  I  express  my  joy, 
When  thy  grace  and  power  of  love, 

Bids  me  rise  to  climes  above. 

He  now  sunk  on  his  knees,  leaning  against  the 
bed,  and  prayed  fervently,  giving  thanks  to  God  for 
his  abundant  mercy  toward  him,  his  unprofitable 
servant.  Such  a  prayer  offered  up  at  the  very  gate 
of  heaven!  In  this  prayer,  there  was  no  doubt,  no 
fear,  no  desire  for  a  respite.  But  God  the  Father, 
was  confidently  asked  for  the  sake  of  Christ  Jesus 
our  Saviour,  to  look  upon  him,  to  hear  and  accept 


1812  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  131 

this  his  petition,  to  receive  his  poor  servant,  and  to 
take  him  up  to  himself,  for  the  sake  of  the  great 
love  wherewith  he  had  loved  him,  and  delivered  him 
from  all  evil:  Amen.  He  was  helped  into  the  bed 
again,  where  in  about  fifteen  minutes,  with  his  hands 
calmly  folded,  the  ransomed  spirit  fled. 

•"  In  condescending  love 

Thy  ceaseless  prayer  he  heard; 
And  bade  thee  suddenly  remove 

To  thy  complete  reward: 
Ready  to  bring  thee  peace, 

Thy  beauteous  feet  were  shod, 
When  mercy  signed  thy  soul's  release' 

And  caught  thee  up  to  God. 

Redeemed  from  earth  and  pain, 

Ah!  when  shall  we  ascend, 
And  all  in  Jesus'  presence  reign 

With  our  translated  friend? 
Come  Lord  and  quickly  come, 

And  when  in  thee  complete, 
Receive  thy  longing  servants  home, 

To  triumph  at  thy  feet!" — Whitefield's  Req. 

THE 

REV.  GEORGE  A.  GUETHING, 

ENDED    HIS    MASTER'S    LABORS,    AND    HIS    LIFE, 

JUNE  28,  1812: 

AGED  71  YEARS  ,4  MONTHS  AND  22  DAYS. 

TIME  SPENT  IN  TUE  MINISTRY  FORTY  YEARS 


132  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1813 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


Remarks  on  the  character  of  William  Otterbein  —  he  was  no  partisan 
—  his  purity  —  conversation  —  mode  of  living  —  kindness  to  the 
poor — closing  scene  of  his  life  —  his  burial  —  Bishop  Asbury's 
sermon  in  Otterbein's  Church  after  his  death  —  Inscription  on 
his  tombstone. 

This  year,  1813.  is  marked  with  the  closing  scene 
of  the  life  of  the  Reverend  William  Otterbein,  whose 
Biographic  Sketch  in  conclusion,  will  be  found  here. 

When  a  great  and  good  man  is  taken  from  us, 
who  has  devoted  his  life,  his  energies,  his  years,  in  a 
word,  his  all,  to  benefit  and  advance  his  fellow  man, 
in  his  highest  and  best  interests,  to  ameliorate  his 
present  position  in  life,  and  to  point  out  to  him  the 
means,  by  the  use  of  which  he  can  secure  to  himself 
permanent  and  enduring  felicity,  any  information 
respecting  the  life,  the  character,  and  the  end  of  such 
an  one,  is  generally  sought  after,  and  read  with 
interest.  From  these  considerations,  it  has  been 
deemed  our  duty  to  notice  with  others  as  we  have 
done  in  this  volume,  the  life,  character  and  end  of 
the  Rev.  William  Otterbein.  But  to  furnish  a  com- 
plete and  systematic  narrative,  either  of  him,  or  of 
others  who  have,  or  may  yet  be  named,  would  carry 
us  beyond  our  limits.  Beside  the  author  is  sensible 
of  his  inability  to  delineate  fully  the  character  of  this 
great  man.     But  this  defect  is  amply  supplied,  when 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  133 

we  view  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ 
as  it  is: 

1st,     In  the  doctrine  she  teaches. 

2d,     The  principles  and  faith  she  contends  for. 

3d,     Her  form  of  Government. 

These  reflect  the  mind  and  character  of  Mr.  Ot- 
terbein  in  their  truest  light,  —  which  can  not  be 
augmented  by  the  love  of  fame;  nor  can  it  be  de- 
pressed by  the  jealousy  of  lesser  minds. 

He  was  no  partisan.  From  first  to  last,  nothing 
was  further  from  him,  than  to  use  his  talents  or  the 
office  of  his  calling,  to  cause  schism  in  any  Church, 
or  to  put  himself  forward  as  a  leader.  Neverthe- 
less, the  work  of  reformation  proceeded  onward 
under  his  guidance,  and  by  his  prudential  measures, 
was  gaining  firmness  and  stability,  as  it  progressed. 
Yet  he  would  not  be  called  chief. 

Although  he  had  made  Baltimore  his  home,  he 
continued  his  journeys,  visiting  the  Churches,  labor- 
ing constantly,  until  age  and  infirmities  confined 
him  to  the  City. 

His  character  was  pure.  As  a  minister  of  the 
gospel,  he  was  solemn  and  serious.  No  lightness  in 
conversation;  no  too  free  allusion  to  his  divine 
Master,  nor  his  attributes,  ever  escaped  his  lips. 
The  character,  the  Omniscience  of  the  Supreme  Be- 
ing, was  with  him  in  word  and  thought,  the  profoun- 
dest  subject  of  reverence  and  awe,  and  visibly  filled 
the  whole  of  his  great  mind  with  the  most  reveren- 
tial emotions. 

In  conversation,  open  and  free,  yet  no  one  could 


134  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH   OF 

approach  him,  but  with  respect,  nor  converse  with 
him,  without  feeling  a  sense  of  his  superior  intellect 
and  purity  of  heart.  With  ease  and  simplicity  he 
was  sure  to  make  conversation  interesting,  useful 
and  instructive. 

In  his  pastoral  visits  and  social  conversations,  one 
of  his  peculiar  sentences  was  —  "  It  is  not  good  to 
be  much  made  of,  it  will  raise  pride." 

Men  occupying  respectable  positions  in  life,  but 
Deists  in  principle,  were  frequently  known  to  visit 
him,  for  the  purpose  of  trying  the  strength  of  his 
mind,  and  depth  of  his  thoughts,  or  perhaps  to  see 
their  error  by  the  cogency  of  his  arguments.  He 
wrould  let  them  state  their  objections  against  the 
Bible,  to  which  he  would  reply  with  grace  and  dig- 
nity, and  then  with  the  word  of  the  Lord,  sweep 
away  their  refuge  of  lies. 

On  a  certain  occasion,  he  asked  one  of  those  De- 
ists, "  Sir  can  you  tell  me  how  your  nails  grow  on 
your  fingers  ? 

The  unbeliever  answered  some  what  equivo- 
cally, but  finally  was  obliged  to  answer  in  the  neg- 
ative. 

Then  said  the  father  of  the  Church,  "go  home 
and  learn  the  truth  of  that  text  in  Job,  11:7.  ■  Canst 
thou  by  searching  find  out  God,'  and  be  advised, 
when  you  come  the  next  time,  to  be  better  prepared 
to  defend  your  doctrine." 

His  manner  of  preaching  was  calm  and  collected, 
giving  every  word  its  full  sound,  and  every  sentence 
a  finish.     And  this  much  may  be  said  of  many  oth- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  135 

ers.  But  Mr.  Otterbein  excelled  in  the  depth  of 
thought,  in  argument,  and  in  the  clearness  with 
which  he  presented  scripture  truths.  In  speaking  of 
man  as  a  sinner,  —  of  Christ  as  a  Saviour,  there 
was  a  display  of  the  plan  of  salvation,  of  the  power 
of  the  gospel,  and  of  the  faith  and  victory  of  that 
gospel  to  the  believer,  which  ever  made  on  an  audi- 
ence the  deepest  impressions,  and  was  listened  to 
with  wonder  and  delight.  But  when  addressing 
himself  to  impenitent  sinners,  every  word  seemed  to 
weigh  a  talent,  and  every  sentence  burn  like  fire  ; 
and  this  was  done  with  a  sympathising  dignity  and 
solicitude,  which  could  not  fail  to  be  seen  and  felt. 

His  mode  of  living  was  of  the  most  frugal  kind, 
and  that  to  the  last  days  of  his  life.  And  why  so  ? 
His  love  and  charity  to  the  destitute,  was  only  limited 
on  his  part  by  the  want  of  means.  Daily,  Sunday 
excepted,  did  the  indigent,  and  the  common  beggars 
of  the  City,  knock  at  his  door  for  alms,  and  which 
on  his  part  were  as  freely  given,  as  they  on  their 
part  made  the  call. 

We  give  a  case.  His  suit  of  clothing  being  much 
worn,  and  not  having  means  wherewith  to  purchase 
another,  his  friends  guessing  the  cause,  sent  him 
some  cloth.  But  still  the  old  garment  was  worn,  till 
one  of  the  friends  remarked,  that  his  tailor  must 
have  forgotten  him,  upon  which  Mr.  Otterbein  wiped 
a  tear  from  his  eye,  and  pointed  his  friend  to  some 
beggars  opposite  the  house.  The  friend  took  the 
hint,  and  sent  another  supply  of  cloth  to  the  tailor 
at  once,  lest  it  should  be  disposed  of  in  the  same  way. 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

After  this  incident,  some  of  the  friends  frequently 
furnished  him  with  certain  kinds  of  cloth  'for  distri- 
bution to  the  needy.  His  demise  was  an  occasion 
of  real  sorrow  to  this  class  of  people,  and  who  were 
not  a  few;  heartily  did  they  lament  and  mourn  the 
loss  of  this  their  earthly  friend  and  patron. 

"  With  them  his  name  shall  live, 

Through  long  succeeding  years, 
Embalmed —  with  all  their  hearts  can  give, 

Their  praises  and  their  tears. 

We  shall  now  view  him  on  a  dying  bed.  His  day 
of  life  had  been  long  and  toilsome,  but  the  evening 
came,  and  with  it  calmness  and  tranquillity.  His 
sun  was  about  to  set  with  a  smile  ;  but  in  that  smile, 
there  was  suffering  from  an  asthmatic  affection, 
which  had  afflicted  him  for  some  time,  and  which, 
as  his  end  approached,  became  the  more  distress- 
ing. 

The  friends  that  gathered  around  him,  were  soon 
assured  that  his  end  had  come.  The  Rev.  Doctor 
D.  Kurtz  offered  up  at  his  bed  side,  the  last  vocal 
prayer,  at  the  close  of  which,  Otterbein  responded 
in  the  following  words:  "  Amen  —  Amen  !  it  is  fin- 
ished." His  last  quotation  from  scripture,  was  from 
Luke  2:  29-30.  "Lord  now  lettest  thou  thy  ser- 
vant depart  in  peace  according  to  thy  word ; 
for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation."  As  the 
friends  now  looked  on  him,  they  felt  pierced  with 
sorrow,  while  wrapt  in  the  solemnity  of  the  death  of 
a  Father  in  Israel. 


1813  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  137 

When  able  to  speak  once  more,  he  said,  "  Jesus  — 
Jesus  —  1  die;  but  thou  livest,  and  soon  shall  I  live 
with  thee  —  the  conflict  is  over  and  past  —  I  begin 
to  feel  an  unspeakable  fullness  of  love  and  peace 
divine,  —  lay  my  head  on  my  pillow,  and  be  still"  — 
and  stillness  reigned  in  the  chamber  of  death.  No, 
not  of  death,  the  chariot  of  Israel  had  come.  "See," 
whispered  one,  "  how  sweet, how  easy  he  breathes:" 
a  smile,  a  fresh  glow  lit  up  his  countenance,  and  be- 
hold it  is  death  ! 

"He  taught  us  how  to  live,  and  Oh!  too  high! 
A  price  of  knowledge  taught  us  how  to  die." 

[  One  circumstance  in  Otterbein's  death,  we  would 
beg  leave  not  to  omit.  A.  Bruner,  one  of  Otter- 
bein's warmest  friends,  lived  out  of  the  City  at  the 
time  of  Otterbein's  last  illness.  Bruner,  at  Otter- 
bein's request,  was  sent  for,  and  came,  but  having 
business  in  New  York,  the  Doctor  thought  Otter- 
bein  might  live  till  he  would  return.  While  Bruner 
was  in  New  York,  he  dreamed  that  he  saw  W.  Otter- 
bein  fly  up  through  the  air,  havingseven  lights  in  his 
hands,  on  which  he  awoke,  and  immediately  looked 
at  his  watch.  On  his  return  home,  he  ascertained 
that  Otterbein  had  departed  this  life,  and  on  inquiry 
at  what  time,  found  it  was  precisely  at  the  same 
time  he  had  his  dream.  He  just  arrived  in  time  to 
meet  the  procession  at  the  grave.] 

The  amiable  and  humble  Bruner,  a  long  and  tried 
friend  of  Otterbein,  was  himself  a  light  while  here 
on  earth,  is  gone  home ;   he  died  a  peaceful   and 

10 


138  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

happy  death,  and  has  long  since  entered  into  rest. 

Bishop  Asbury,  March  13th,  1814,  as  a  token  of 
true  friendship  and  love,  preached  a  sermon  on  the 
death  of  Wm.  Otterbein,  taking  his  text  from  Rev. 
3:  10,  11.  Of  this  memorable  occasion,  Bishop  As- 
bury entered  the  following  note  in  his  Journal: 

"  By  request,  I  discoursed  on  the  character  of  the 
Angel  of  the  Church  of  Philadelphia,  in  allusion  to 
Wm.  Otterbein — -the  holy,  the  great  Otterbein  — 
whose  funeral  discourse  it  was  intended  to  be.  Sol- 
emnity marked  the  silent  meeting  in  the  German 
Church,  where  were  assembled  the  members  of  our 
Conference,  and  many  of  the  clergy  of  the    City. 

"  Forty  years  have  I  known  the  retiring  modesty 
of  this  man  of  God,  towering  majestic  above  his 
fellows,  in  learning,  wisdom,  and  grace,  yet  seeking" 
to  be  known  only  to  God,  and  the  people  of  God." 

This  sermon  of  Bishop  Asbury's  was  delivered  in 
the  Church  so  long  occupied  by  Otterbein  in  Balti- 
more. It  was  spoken  of  throughout  the  City,  as 
one  of  exceeding  sublimity  and  interest. 

Otterbein's  remains  are  deposited  in  the  City  of  Bal- 
timore, and  Church-yard  on  Howard's  hill.  In  enter 
ing  the  gate  immediately  in  front  of  the  Church  from 
Conway  street,  the  passage  to  the  Church,  leads 
through  a  small  yard,  called  Otterbein  grave  yard. 
There  the  sainted  Father  of  blessed  memory  lies 
alone,  there  being  no  other  grave  in  this  apartment. 
The  grave  is  adorned  with  two  plain  marble  slabs, 
the  upper  one  resting  on  four  pillars  of  marble,  with 
the  following  inscription: — 


1813  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  139 

IIIER  RUIIEN  DIE  GEBEINE 

DES    VERSTORBENEN 

WILLIAM  OTTERBEIN. 

GEBOHREN  4.  JUNI  1726. 
GESTORBEN  17.  NOVEMBER,  1813: 

seines  alters  87  yahre,  5  monath,  13  tage- 

"  Selig  sind  die  Todten,  die  in  dem  Herrn  ster- 
ben;  sie  ruhen  von  hirer  Arbeit  und  ihre  Werke 
folgen  ihnen  nach." 


HERE  REST  THE  REMAINS 

OF 

WILLIAM  OTTERBEII 

HE  WAS  BORN  JUNE  4,   1726. 


DEPARTED  THIS  LIFE  NOV.  17,  1813. 

aged  87  years,  5  months,  and  13  days. 

"  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord,  for 
they  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their  works  do 
follow  them." 

IN  THE  MINISTRY  62  YEARS. 


140  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

We  havejust  received  the  following  certificate  of 
ordination  and  recommendation  given  to  William 
Otterbein  in  the  year  1752.  We  have  been  very 
kindly  furnished  with  a  translation  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Ford,  Professor  of  Languages  in  St,  Xavier  College 
Cincinnati.  It  is  a  document,  we  think,  well  worth 
preserving.  [Ed. 

LICTUTIS  SALUTEM  ! 


Infra  scrip tus  testor,  Reverendum  et  doctissimum  juvenem  Phil- 
ippum  Guilielnrum  Otterbein,  patria  Nassauicura,  Dillenburgu  natum, 
sancti  ministeru  candidatum  classis  tertiae  et  hujus  pcedagogu  prcecep- 
torem,  a  me  impetrasse  manuum  impositionem  pro  ordinationis  axio- 
mate,  assistentibus,  Ct.  Arnoldo  professore  atgue  ccetus  Herbonnensis 
pastore,  et  admodum  Reverendo  Klingelkafero  gusdem  ecclesiae  sec- 
undario,  ut  vicariam  in  ccetu  Ockersdorpiano  opem  prcestaret.  Quare 
eum  guem  auditorem  quondam  nostrum  dileximus;  nune  vero  ad 
peregunas  oras  appulsurum,  omnibus  guibus  prosentes  interesse  pos- 
sunt  commendamus;  ipsi  fausta  qucevis  ex  animo  proecantes,  basque 
Jiteras  tamquam  perpetuimei  erga  eum  affectusmonumentum  signantes. 
Datum  apud  Herbonnam.. 

A.  D.  Millesimo  Leptingintesimo  quinquagesimo  secundo. 

JOANNES  HENRICUS  SCHRAMMIUS. 
Theologioe  Doctor  et  ecclesiam 

Nassauicaram  superintendens. 


Sig 


num. 


(translation.) 
TO  THE  READER  GREETING ! 


I,  the  undersigned  testify,  that  the  Reverend  and  very  learned 
young  man,  Philip  William  Otterbein,  who  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Dillenburg,  in  the  Dutchy  of  Nassau,  a  candidate  of  the  third  class  for 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  141 

the  holy  ministry,  and  a  teacher  of  this  College,  obtained  from  me  the 
imposition  of  hands;  (as  a  proof  of  his  legitimate  ordination,)  in  the 
presence  of  Ct.  Arnold,  Professor,  and  a  minister  of  the  congregation 
of  Herbonn,  and  the  very  Reverend  Klingelkafer,  an  assistant  in  the 
same  Church,  with  the  view  of  exercising  his  ministerial  functions  in 
the  assembly  of  Okersdorpia.  Wherefore,  we  commend  to  all  whom 
the  present  letter  may  interest,  our  former  much  esteemed  hearer,  who 
is  now  about  to  emigrate  to  a  foreign  country,  and  wish  him  a  prosper- 
ous voyage.  We  subscribe  this  letter  as  a  testimonial  of  our  never 
failing  affection  towards  him. 

Dated  at  Herbonn,  3rd  day  before  March,  1752. 

JOHN  HENRY  SCHRAMM. 
Doctor  of  Theology  and  Superintendent 
Sign  or  Seal.  of  the  Church  of  Nassau 


142  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1813 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


After  the  death  of  Otterbein,  the  Pa.  An.  Conference  supplied  the  Ot- 
bein  Church  —  Attempt  to  effect  a  union  between  the  United  Breth- 
ren and  the  Evangelical  Association. 

After  the  departure  of  Otterbein,  the  Pennsylva- 
nia Annual  Conference  supplied  the  preacher  for 
the  Baltimore  Church.  Bro.  Frederick  Schaffer 
happened  to  be  in  Baltimore  at  the  time  of  Otter- 
bein's  death,  was  retained  by  the  congregation  and 
vestry,  to  the  sitting  of  the  Pennsylvania  Annual 
Conference,  which  met  in  Hagerstown,  1815,  when 
Bro.  Joseph  Hoffman  was  appointed  to  the  Otter- 
bein Church  in  Baltimore,  over  which  he  watched 
with  great  ability  for  three  years,  when  according  to 
a  rule  of  discipline,  the  Church  was  supplied  by 
another  from  said  Pa.  Conference,  and  has  been 
thus  supplied  ever  since.  * 

It  is  a  matter  of  some  importance,  and  not  un- 
worthy of  a  notice  here,  that  an  attempt  was  made 
to  effect  a  union  between  the  United  Brethren,  and 
the  Evangelical  association,  (Albrights.) 

For  this  purpose,  in  April  1813,  Bro.  Chr.  New- 
comer attended  their  Conference,  and  the  propriety 
of  a  union  between  the  two  Churches,  was  freely 
discussed  by  that  Conference.  Bro.  Newcomer  laid 
the  discipline  of  our  Church,  before  them  for  exam- 

*  The  Rev.  George  Miller  of  the  Pennsylvania  Conference,  is  the 
present  Pastor  of  the  Church. 


1813  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  143 

ination,  to  which  no  objection  was  made;  but  with 
seeming  cordiality  approved.  And  they  delivered  to 
Bro.  Newcomer,  a  written  communication  on  the 
subject  of  union,  to  be  laid  before  our  Conference, 
which  met  soon  thereafter  at  Chr.  Herr's,  Lancaster 
county,  Pa. 

Here  it  was  resolved  that  a  committee  of  four 
brethren  from  our  Church, meet  alike  committee  ap- 
pointed by  the  Albright  brethren,  for  the  purpose  of 
uniting,  if  practicable,  the  two  societies.  The  breth- 
ren on  our  part,  were  Christian  Crum,  Christian 
Newcomer,  Joseph  Hoffman  and  Jacob  Baulus.  On 
the  part  of  the  Albrights,  were  George  Miller,  John 
Walter,  John  Dresbach  and  Henry  Neible.  These 
brethren  met  near  New  Berlin,  Pa.,  Nov.  11,  1813, 
and  after  consulting  for  several  days,  the  intended 
object  of  the  meeting  failed. 

The  name  of  Mr.  Albright  was  then  dear  to  some, 
and  they  on  their  part  felt  a  reluctance  to  give  it  up 
entirely.  On  our  part  it  was  intimated  that  the  name 
of  no  man  should  be  distinctive  of  a  christian 
Church.  Second  objection  on  their  part,  was  to  the 
example  of  feet  washing,  (according  to  our  disci- 
pline.) This  was  viewed  by  them  in  a  less  favora- 
ble light.  The  last,  and  to  them  the  most  impor- 
tant objection  to  a  union,  was  this:  The  fact  that 
our  discipline  makes  no  distinction  between  the  trav- 
eling and  local  ministry,  as  being  equal  members  of 
the  Annual  and  other  Conferences.  This  being  a 
fundamental  article  of  our  Church  economy,  our 
delegates  were  not  authorized,  nor  were   they  wil- 


144  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

ling  to  change  the  same  as  the  basis  of  a  union,  and 
they  on  their  part  would  not  agree  to  admit  the  local 
preacher  to  a  seat  and  voice  in  the  Annual  Confer- 
ence. This  third  item  was  a  sine  qua  non  with  them; 
and  thus  ended  this  well  meant  scheme  for  union 
with  the  Albrights. 

In  this  last  item,  why  illiberal  and  partial  to  apart 
of  the    ministry  ?     Why  draw  a  line  of  distinction 
where  the  scriptures  make  none?     Titus  1:  7,  8,  9. 

In  this,  as  well  as  some  other  disciplinary  rules, 
Mr.  Albright  may  have  followed  too  closely  the 
Church  from  whence  he  came.  And  thus  on  unten- 
able ground,  many  Churches  are  unhappily  kept 
assunder,  and  thus  hinder  the  diffusion  of  the  spirit 
of  christian  friendship  and  love.  Every  good  and 
liberal  minded  man,  must  confess  and  lament  this 
as  a  misfortune.  This  spirit  has  not  been  confined 
to  a  few,  but  governs  many  ministers.  It  is  no  part 
of  holiness  —  it  is  human  nature  and  part  of  its 
moral  defects.  The  gospel  itself  is  all  pure.  Je- 
sus the  author  of  it,  the  most  generous  and  amiable 
in  all  his  precepts.  But  alas  !  these  lovely  precepts 
may  be  forgotten  or  perverted,  and  the  will  of  man 
substituted  in  their  stead.  Conduct  like  this,  can 
not  be  sufficiently  lamented  and  deplored. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  145 


CHAPTER  XV. 


Discipline  —  various  efforts  to  form  and  publish  a  printed  discipline  — 
First  General  Conference  —  The  sky  not  entirely  clear  —  clouds 
pass  away —  Confession  of  faith  and  rules  of  discipline  adopted  — 
Remarks  on  the  confession  of  faith  —  Remarks  on  the  section  in 
reference  to  Bishops —  On  Secret  Societies — On  Slavery. 

DISCIPLINE. 

The  disciplinary  rules  which  governed  the  Church 
from  the  first  Conference  held  in  Baltimore,  1789. 
up  to  1815,  the  reader  will  not  be  displeased  to  find 
here  in  chief,  although  noticed  before,  comprising 
the  confession  of  faith,  (same  as  in  discipline,)  and 
the  following  rules. 

(a.)  That  no  one,  be  he  a  preacher  or  lay  mem- 
ber, can  be  a  member  of  this  Church,  who  should 
be  found  to  lead  an  offensive  life.  —  (1  Tim.  3:  1-3. 
1  Cor;  5:  13. 

(b.)  To  keep  the  Sabbath  day  holy:  and  attend 
divine  worship. 

(c.)  To  attend  class  or  prayer-meeting,  once  a 
week. 

(d.)  That  none  be  received  into  the  Church,  who 
is  not  resolved  to  flee  the  wrath  to  come,  and  by 
faith  and  repentance,  to  seek  his  salvation  in  Christ, 
and  be  resolved  willingly  to  obey  the  disciplinary 
rules  which  are  now  observed  for  good  order,  yet 
always  excepted  that  such  rules  are  founded  on  the 


146  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

Word  of  God,  as  the  only  unerring  guide  of  faith 
and  practice. 

(e.)  That  a  neglect  of  class  and  prayer-meetings 
by  any  one,  after  being  twice  or  thrice  admonished, 
without  manifest  amendment,  (sickness  or  absence 
from  home  excepted,)  excludes  such  from  the 
Church. 

(f.)  Every  member  to  abstain  from  all  backbiting 
and  evil  speaking.  — (1  Pit.  2:1.  Ja.  4:  11.)  The 
transgressor  in  the  first  instance,  to  be  admonished 
privately,  but  the  second  time  to  be  reproved  in  the 
class-meeting. 

(g.)  For  as  much  as  the  difference  of  people  and 
denominations  end  in  Christ  —  (Rom.  10:  12.  Col. 
3:  11,)  and  availeth  nothing,  but  a  new  creature  — 
(Gal.  6:  13-16,)  it  becomes  our  duty  and  privilege 
according  to  the  gospel,  to  commune  with,  and  ad- 
mit professors  of  religion  to  the  Lord's  table  without 
partiality. 

(/r)  That  each  member  strive  to  lead  a  quiet 
and  godly  life,  lest  he  give  offense,  and  fall  into  the 
condemnation  of  the  adversary  —(Math.  5:  14-16. 

(i.)  All  offences  between  members,  shall  be  dealt 
with  in  strict  conformity  to  the  precepts  of  our 
Lord  — (Math.  18:  15-18.) 

(j.)  Should  a  preacher  or  elder  be  accused  of 
any  known  immorality,  and  upon  the  testimony  of 
two  or  three  creditable  witnesses,  he  being  present, 
the  charge  be  proven  against  him,  he  will  be  imme- 
diately suspended,  and  until  he  gives  proof  of  true 
repentance,  and  make  open  confession  to  the  socie- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  147 

ty,  he  remains  excluded  from  the  Church.  The 
same  rule  shall  be  observed  against  members  of  the 
Church,  who  shall  be  found  guilty  of  immoral  con- 
duct—(1  Cor.  5:  11-13.  Tim.  5:  20.) 

Observe,  these  rules  Mr.  Otterbein  preferred  to 
the  general  rules  of  the  Methodists,  which  were 
urged  by  Bro.  Henry  Weidner,  and  some  others,  on 
Otterbein,  to  translate  and  adopt  at  an  early  day. 
Of  this  Mr.  Asbury  remarks  in  his  Journal: 

"  Otterbein,  one  of  the  wisest  and  best  of  men, 
could  only  approve."  And  we  add  for  reasons  best 
known  to  himself,  did  not  think  proper  to  adopt,  in 
preference  to  his  own  sense  of  scripture  rules,  for 
the  guidance  of  his  German  brethren. 

It  will  be  readily  perceived  that  the  rules  just 
named,  embrace  the  elements  essential  to  constitute 
a  christian  Church,  and  are  highly  expressive  of  the 
moral  purity  requisite  for  membership.  Neverthe- 
less it  is  clearly  seen,  that  they  are  deficient,  or  lack 
in  some  points.  No  express  provision  being  made 
for  the  execution  of  these  rules,  in  all  the  Churches 
in  our  charge.  In  carrying  out  these  rules  —  for 
they  were  closely  observed  —  experience  pointed  out 
the  want  of  a  prescribed  and  uniform  mode  of  ac- 
tion ;  also  the  great  necessity  of  some  additional 
rules  for  the  regulation  of  Conferences;  the  recep- 
tion of  preachers ;  their  duties  and  support ;  the 
eligibility  to  elders  orders  ;  and  above  all,  to  lay 
down  as  a  disciplinary  rule  and  test,  to  the  motive 
and  ministerial  character  among  us,  the  Apostolic 
injunction  to  Titus  1st  chapter,  7th  to  9th  verse. 


148  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1814 

Hitherto,  (to  1815,)  the  rules  as  enforced  by  Wm. 
Otterbein,  had  remained  in  an  imprinted  form.  And 
this  in  addition,  was  another  want  which  had  been 
seriously  felt,  and  had  pressed  with  weight  upon  the 
Church. 

For  some  time  attempts  had  been  made  to  remedy 
these  deficiencies,  and  to  bring  the  subject  before  the 
several  Annual  Conferences  for  action. 

The  Conference  in  the  east,  met  at  Hagerstown, 
in  Maryland,  May  24th,  1814.  Here  the  demand 
for  an  improved  and  printed  discipline,  was  under 
consideration,  and  two  manuscript  copies  were  laid 
on  the  table,  one  by  Bro.  Christopher  Grosh,  and  the 
other  by  Bro.  C.  Newcomer.  A  General  Confer- 
ence was  anticipated,  but  no  definite  action  was 
had  in  the  premises,  from  a  desire  to  consult  the 
Conference  in  the  west,  which  was  to  meet  at  the 
house  of  Bro.  Andrew  Zeller, near  Germantown,  O., 
August  23d,  1814.  Bro.  C.  Newcomer  was  reques- 
ted to  call  the  attention  of  that  Conference  to  the 
contemplated  plan  of  a  General  Conference,  to  be 
held  the  ensuing  year,  leaving  the  mode  for  the  elec- 
tion of  delegates  to  the  Miami  Conference  to  deter- 
mine. This  Conference  most  cheerfully  took  up 
the  subject,  and  recommended  that  the  members 
which  were  to  meet  in  General  Conference,  should 
be  elected  from  among  the  preachers  from  all  parts 
of  the  Church,  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the 
members  in  the  Church. 

The  election  was   accordingly  held,  and  the    fol- 


1815  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  149 

lowing  brethren  were   returned.     (See   also    Disci- 
pline.) 

PENNSYLVANIA.        MARYLAND. 

Abraham  Mayer,  C.  Newcomer, 

Henry  Kumler,  Jacob  Baulus, 

John  Snyder, 
Abraham  Draksel, 
Christian  Berger. 

VIRGINIA.  OHIO. 

Chr.  Crum,  Andrew  Zeller, 

Isaac  Niswander,  A.  Hiestand, 

H.  G.  Spayth.  Daniel  Tryer, 

George  Benedum. 

These  delegates  met  at  John  Bonnet's  School- 
house,  near  Mount  Pleasant,  Westmoreland  county, 
Pa.,  June  6th,  1815. 

The  Conference  was  opened  by  Bro.  A.  Zeller, 
reading  a  portion  of  Scripture,  and  prayer. 

Jacob  Baulus  and  H.  G.  Spayth,  were  chosen 
Secretaries,  and  C.  Newcomer  and  A.  Zeller  elected 
Presidents  Pro  Tern. 

This  being  the  first  General  Conference,  elected 
under  somewhat  peculiar  circumstances,  and  meet- 
ing for  a  purpose  in  a  measure,  new  and  untried  in 
the  history  and  progress  of  this  Church;  and  having 
so  lately  been  deprived  of  the  support  and  counsel 
of  the  wisest  and  the  best,  who  had  exercised  the 
oversight  of  the  Church,  to  the  time  of  their  depar- 
ture, whose  counsel  was  law,  but  that  law  was  love, 
much    embarrassment    for   a   time   was    manifest. 


150  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

Others,  wise  and  good,  the  Church  still  had.  True, 
these  might  fill  the  office  of  those  who  had  gone 
home  ;  but  not  their  place.  The  seat  might  be  oc- 
cupied, but  the  place  was  vacant.  This  was  never 
before,  nor  since,  as  deeply  and  visibly  felt,  as  at 
the  opening,  and  for  the  first  two  days  of  that  Gen- 
eral Conference. 

Nor  will  we  disguise  the  truth,  the  sky  was  not 
exactly  clear,  a  heavy  atmosphere  would  ever  and 
anon  press  and  swell  the  bosom,  and  then  came  ruf- 
fling breezes,  and  sharp  words.  This  could  not 
last  long.  The  darkening  clouds  which  hung  over 
the  Conference,  must  be  cleared  away — a  calm 
atmosphere  and  a  clear  sky,  could  not  be  dispensed 
with  —  a  pause  ensued.  The  Conference  agreed  to 
humble  themselves  before  God  in  prayer — and  such 
a  prayer-meeting  your  humble  servant  never  wit- 
nessed before  nor  since!  Brethren  with  streaming 
eyes  embraced  and  thanked  God  !  From  that  hour 
to  the  end,  unanimity  and  love  smiled  joyously  on 
that  assembly. 

Permit  a  special  notice  here:  Nothing  perhaps 
was  anticipated  with  greater  certainty  by  any  dele- 
gate in  going  to  that  Conference,  than  that  the 
meeting  should  take  place  in  the  sweetest  and 
most  humble  subordination  to  each  other,  each  es- 
teeming his  brother  higher  than  himself,  and 
worthy  of  more  honor.  But  the  spirit  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Zebedee  and  their  mother,  is  still  visible  on 
such  occasions,  and  never  more  so  than  when  wise 
and  good  rulers,  cither  in  Church  or  state,  are  remo- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  151 

ved  by  death.  For  who  should  have  sufficient  wis- 
dom, who  should  be  so  well  qualified  to  take  the 
helm,  and  guide  the  vessel  safely  as  the  Zebedees  ? 
And  should  a  doubt  be  raised,  they  are  ready  to  an- 
swer, we  are  able. 

Our  last  word  when  we  made  the  digression,  was, 
smiled  joyously  on  that  assembly.  Here  were  dear 
brethren  who  had  stood  long,  and  stood  firmly  in 
the  cause  of  God  and  man.  The  spirit  of  ambition 
had  vanished,  its  shadow  was  seen  no  more.  The 
brethren,  it  was  manifest,  had  but  one  eye,  one  ear, 
one  soul,  one  great  thought,  and  that  was  to  form  a 
discipline,  containing  the  fewest  sections  or  divis- 
ions practicable,  and  in  as  few  words  as  the  grave  sub- 
ject would  admit  of,  m  order  to  convey  the  sense  and 
meaning  of  Church  rules,  as  held  by  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ. 

After  mature  deliberation,  the  Conference  found  it 
good  and  expedient  to  deliver  the  confession  of  faith 
and  rules  of  discipline  to  the  Church,  in  love  and 
humility,  with  the  sincere  desire,  that  the  doctrine 
and  rules,  together  with  the  word  of  God,  might  be 
attended  to,  and  strictly  observed. 

These  rules  have  been  in  the  Church,  and  before 
an  intelligent  and  well  judging  christian  community, 
for  a  number  of  years  since  their  adoption,  —  have 
been  seen  and  read  by  many  out  of  the  Church, 
and  no  doubt  by  all  in  the  Church,  and  we  are  hap- 
py to  say,  they  have  been  favorably  received,  and 
have  met  with  very  general  approbation. 

And  although  they  have  since  been  submitted  for 


152  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

there-examination  and  improvement  of  every  suc- 
ceeding General  Conference,  they  have  passed 
through  them  all  with  little  or  no  material  variation, 
including  a  period  of  nearly  forty  years,  and  ten 
General  Conferences. 

On  the  confession  of  faith  we  remark,  on  the  con- 
cluding part,  First:  "  Of  baptism."  The  fathers 
held  that  there  are  three  distinctive  baptisms  noticed 
in  scripture.  Of  water  baptism,  they  affirmed  that 
it  may  be  administered  by  immersion,  effusion,  or 
pouring.  That  it  may  be  administered  to  adults 
and  infants.  But  they  did  not  view  it  in  the  light  of 
a  saving  ordinance. 

Secondly:  The  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  conse- 
quent on  faith  true  repentance,  and  the  remission 
of  sin. 

And  thirdly:  The  baptism  of  suffering,  to  which 
many  saints  have  been  called  in  every  age  of  the 
Church,  and  from  which  few  christians,  —  being 
truly  such — if  any,  are  entirely  exempt.  No  con- 
troversy, nor  exclusiveness  on  the  mode  of  baptism 
can  find  room  among  us.  The  highest  honor  and 
best  respect  which  men  can  pay  to  the  ordinance  of 
baptism  under  any  form,  we  hold  is  a  life  distin- 
guished for  piety,  and  love  to  God  and  man. 

It  may  be  justly  expected  that  some  few  remarks 
should  be  made,  on  some  parts  at  least,  of  the  disci- 
pline of  the  Brethren  Church,  parts  that  have  been 
identified  with  her  rise  and  progress,  and  which  she 
adopted,  because  she  believed  them  to  be  just ;  but 
which  of  late  years   have  assumed   an  importance 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  153 

under  the  force  of  certain  circumstances,  with  which, 
however,  we  had  nothing  to  do. 

And  these  distinctive  parts  of  her  disciplinary 
rules,  have  given  the  Brethren  Church  a  position,  as 
we  trust,  firm  as  a  rock,  and  saved  her  from  that 
tumult  and  commotion,  which  have  so  seriously  and 
painfully  affected  the  peace,  harmony  and  purity  of 
many  Churches,  and  of  which  the  end  is  not  yet 
seen.  May  our  sympathy  and  our  prayer  for  their 
peace  and  prosperity,  be  fervent  and  sincere,  not  for- 
getting to  be  vigilant  on  our  part,  lest  we  fall. 

The  next  in  order  is  the  constitution  of  the  disci- 
pline. The  first  item  we  notice,  is  Bishops  and  their 
election.  By  the  term  Bishop,  we  simply  mean  an 
officer  in  the  Church  for  the  time  being,  who  is  elec- 
ted by  the  General  Conference  from  among  the  El- 
ders in  the  Church,  who  have  stood  in  that  capacity 
six  years. 

The  term  for  which  they  are  elected,  is  four  years. 

Their  duty  is  to  attend  the  several  Annual  Con- 
ferences, and  to  preside  in  said  Conferences,  but 
have  no  vote,  except  a  casting  vote  on  a  tie.  They, 
with  two  Elders  chosen  by  Conference,  appoint  the 
presiding  Elders  to  their  districts,  and  the  circuit 
preachers  to  their  circuits,  in  connection  with  the 
presiding  Elders,  and  an  equal  number  of  preach- 
ers chosen  by  Conference  for  that  purpose.  They 
also,  assisted  by  two  Elders,  perform  the  ordination 
service.  Thus  it  is  with  us  an  office  not  of  rank, 
but  of  duty.  We  advocate  the  parity  of  ministers 
strictly  so,  and  discard  the  so  called  "  divine  right1' 

11 


154  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

of  Bishops,  and  ministerial  imparity  as  anti-scriptu- 
ral. We  acknowledge  no  diocesan  Bishop ;  yet 
we  would  not  turn  from  the  term  Bishop,  or  disdain 
to  use  it  in  a  scriptural  sense.  In  any  other  sense 
we  do  not  use  it. 

We  have  but  one  ordination,  understanding  the 
term  Elder,  Presbyter,  Bishop,  as  names  for  the 
same  office,  requiring  the  same  qualifications,  gifts 
and  graces,  and  without  which  qualifications,  gifts 
and  graces,  no  consecration  or  induction  into  the 
office  of  the  ministry,  would  be  considered  valid  by 
the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Another  important  item  in  the  Constitution,  is 
found  in  Section  7,  which  reads: 

"  There  shall  be  no  connection  with  secret  com- 
binations, nor  shall  involuntary  servitude  be  tolera- 
ted in  any  way  in  the  Church."  Discipline  Section 
31,  says  a  secret  society  —  "  is  one  whose  initiatory 
ceremony  or  bond  of  union,  is  a  secret." 

From  the  commencement,  the  Brethren  Church 
discountenanced  secret  societies,  and  refused  to  re- 
ceive members  of  such,  however  unexceptionable  in 
every  other  respect,  into  the  Church  except  on 
one  condition  viz:  separation  from  secret  orders.  It  is 
not  the  place  here  to  enter  into  the  reasons  at  large 
which  we  as  a  Church  have,  for  holding  no  fraternal 
relation  with  any  one,  who  at  the  same  time  is  con- 
nected with  a  secret  order  of  men.  We  do  not  wish 
to  magnify  ourselves  against  any  man  or  associa- 
tion of  men,  but  it  is  sufficient  for  us  to  know,  that  a 
christian  Church  is  one  thing,  and  a  secret  fraterni- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  155 

ty  quite  another  thing.  Neither  the  men  belong- 
i  ng  to  such  an  order,  nor  the  order  itself  could  suffer 
loss  by  being  connected  with  a  christian  Church. 
But  not  so  with  the  Church.  Any,  and  every  such 
connection,  has  proved  a  hurt,  and  inflicted  a  dead- 
ly wound  on  any  and  every  Church  which  has  allow- 
ed or  winked  at  this  strange  connection. 

It  is  to  such  Churches  as  the  leprosy  of  Gehazi! 
We  have  not  coveted  the  Syrian's  silver,  nor  changes 
of  garment,  and  saved  the  Church  ! 

Section  32,  Discipline.  "  All  slavery  in  every 
sense  of  the  word,  is  totally  prohibited,  and  shall  in 
no  way  be  tolerated  in  our  Church,"  &c,  &c. 

Involuntary  servitude,  (except  for  crime,)  has  al- 
ways been  condemned  by  our  Church.  Never, 
at  any  period,  did  the  brethren  Church  view  it  in 
any  other  light,  than  as  oppressive  and  unjust.  It 
always  testified  decidedly  against  the  system,  giving 
it  no  countenance,  neither  receiving  nor  encourag- 
ing a  holder  of  slaves  to  unite  with  the  Church. 
Otterbein  and  Guething  both  living  in  Maryland,  a 
slave  State,  —  showed  it  no  favor,  neither  did  they 
make  war  with  it,  but  guarded  the  Church  against 
this  sin  of  sins,  "  and  garments  rolled  in  sweat  and 
blood." 

This  was  one  reason  why  the  Brethren  Church 
in  Maryland  and  Virginia,  continued  to  be  limited, 
and  even,  to  this  day  is  comparatively  confined  to  the 
western  portions  of  those  States,  The  wonder  is, 
how  the  Church  has  continued  to   exist  there  at  all. 


156  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

But  there   she  is,  if  not  numerous,  yet  strong  ;  as 
unknown,  and  yet  well  known. 

We  forbear  making  any  other  remarks  illustrative 
of  our  disciplinary  rules.  Should  any  reader  not 
having  them,  be  desirous  to  know  them  more  fully, 
we  would  respectfully  refer  such  to  the  book  itself, 
containing  them.  It  is  a  very  small  book  —  can 
be  had  of  any  of  our  preachers,  and  costs  but  12^ 
.cents.- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  157 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Why  have  the  United  Brethren  remained  in  a  great  measure,  unknown 
to  the  English  community  —  United  Brethren  labored  first  among 
the  Germans  —  Success  among  the  English  —  General  Conference 
of  1817  —  General  Conference  of  1821  — An  act  passed  onSlavery 
—  on  ardent  spirits  —  Election  of  Bishops  — -  John  Kline,  and 
Abraham  Draksel. 

It  is  time  that  another  question  should  be  attend- 
ed to. 

Why  have  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ  remain- 
ed in  a  great  measure,  unknown  to  a  majority  of 
the  people  within  our  United  States  ? 

Ans.  The  Brethren  Church  has  been  known  as 
has  been  seen  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  in  part 
of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  since  1760,  and  in  the 
State  of  Ohio  in  part,  since  1803.  In  Indiana  from 
her  early  settlement,  and  also  some  parts  of  Ken- 
tucky. 

Secondly:  Otterbein,  Boehm  and  Guething,  as 
has  been  noticed,  were  Germans,  and  none  of 
them  ever  preached  in  the  English  language.  Their 
call  in  the  gospel  was  to  the  German  people  and 
Churches,  and  to  these  the  labors  and  preaching  of 
the  brethren  continued  to  be  confined  with  but  little 
exception,  until  about  the  year  1825,  when  she  found 
herself  constrained  to  give  way  to  the  use  of  the 
English  language  more  fully. 

The  reason  for  so   doing,  the   kind   reader   may 


158  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

have  already  foreseen,  but  permit  it  to  be  named: 
the  English  is  the  language  of  our  nation,  gov- 
ernment and  schools.  The  education  of  the  Ger- 
man youth,  was  obtained  more  and  more  in  English 
schools  from  year  to  year,  until  the  German  schools 
were  nearly,  or  quite  extinct.  And  although  the 
brethren  saw  and  felt  this  to  their  loss,  yet  such  was 
the  force  of  habit  and  custom,  that  they  were  slow  to 
depart  from  it.  This  tardiness  caused  the  Brethren 
Church  to  lose  many  valuable  members,  in  whose 
awakening  and  conversion,  they  had  been  instru- 
mental. Even  some  of  their  own  children,  for  want 
of  preaching  among  us  in  the  English  language, 
united  with  other  societies.  And  when  the  impor- 
tance of  the  English  language  was  admitted,  it  re- 
quired time  to  diffuse  it  generally  and  exten- 
sively, and  it  is  comparatively  but  a  few  years  since 
the  English  language  has  had  the  ascendency 
among  us  as  a  Church,  and  has  thus  given  the  breth- 
ren a  religious  relation  with  their  English  neighbors. 
Hence  the  inquiry  is  not  with  the  Germans,  but 
with  the  English  people,  when  our  preachers  first 
come  among  them,  —  "who  are  you  as  a  Church? 
when  and  where  did  you  originate  ?"  This  para- 
graph is  not  penned  to  answer  the  inquiry,  as  that 
in  the  preceding  pages  has  been  done,  but  to  give 
the  reason  why  we  have  not  made  our  acquaintance 
with  the  English  community  as  a  christian  Church, 
at  an  earlier  period  in  our  history.  Perhaps  this 
was  reserved  in  the  All-wise  arrangement  of  an 
overruling  Providence,  to  take  place  as  it  has,  and 


1821  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  159 

is  now  taking  place  at  this  hour  of  the  gospel  light 
and  day.  We  could  perhaps,  assign  some  reasons 
for  this  Providence;  and  the  sequel  will  show  that 
since  the  brethren  extended  their  gospel  labors  be- 
yond the  German  population,  they  have  had  a  great 
and  effectual  door  opened  unto  them,  with  and 
among  the  English  people  and  Churches. 

Our  English  brethren  in  the  ministry  have  had 
much  to  encourage  and  to  cheer  them  in  their  ardu- 
ous labors,  in  all  of  which  they  have  realized  the 
rich  and  profuse  mercies  of  God  in  the  conversion 
of  many  souls,  and  in  planting  and  establishing 
many  happy  and  permanent  societies  in  the  Church.* 

The  General  Conference  held  1815,  resolved  that 
the  next  General  Conference  meet  in  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Westmoreland  county,  Pa.,  the  first  Monday  in  June, 
1817.  and  thereafter  once  every  four  years. 

This  Conference  met  accordingly,  continued  C. 
Newcomer  and  Andrew  Zeller,  Bishops  to  the  next 
General  Conference,  but  made  no  change  in  the  dis- 
ciplinary rules. 

The  third  General  Conference  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  met  at  Bro.  Dewalt  Mechlins. 
Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  May  15th,  1821. 

PENNSYLVANIA    CONFERENCE. 
MEMBERS   PRESENT 

Samuel  Huber,       I  William  Brown,    |  Michael  Bear, 

George  Guething,  |  Daniel  Pfeifer  [three  absent. 

*  Yes,  blessed  be  God  !  Our  hearts  are  daily  cheered  by  the  abun- 
dant success  which  a  gracious  God  grants  unto  us  in  our  English 
fields  of  labor.  Thousands  annually  are  induced  through  our  humble 
instrumentality,  to  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good.  [Ed. 


160  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1821 

MUSKINGUM    CONFERENCE. 

MEMBERS  PRESENT. 

Michael  Bortsfield,  |    Abraham  Forney.  |  [two  absent. 

MIAMI    CONFERENCE. 

MEMBERS   PRESENT. 


Lewis  Cramer, 
N.  Havens, 
G.  Benedum, 
Joseph  Hoffman, 


Henry  J.  Frey, 
Henry  Evinger, 
Henry  Kumler, 
A.  Bontzler, 


John  McNamer. 
JohnG.  Pfrimer 


This  year,  John  Kline  and  Abraham  Drakseldied. 
Bro.  Kline  had  traveled  but  a  few  years,  and  was 
suddenly  called  to  cease  from  his  labors  while  trav- 
eling the  Westmoreland  circuit,  Pa.  He  was  yet 
young  in  life,  humble  and  strictly  pious. 

From  a  letter  written  to  a  sister  of  his,  about  four 
weeks  previous  to  his  death,  he  anticipated  his  de- 
parture, telling  his  sister  that  ere  that  letter  would 
reach  her,  his  spirit  would  be  in  heaven  ;  and  so  it 
was.  That  letter,  and  the  news  of  his  death,  reach- 
ed that  sister  on  one  and  the  same  da}^ 

Bro.  Kline  and  Draksel  were  members  of  the 
Muskingum  Annual  Conference. 

Bro.  Abraham  Draksel  was  born  in  Lebanon 
county,  Pa.,  1753.  He  was  brought  up  in  the  Am- 
mish  society,  it  being  a  seceding  branch  from  the 
Mennonite.  Being  an  obedient  and  loving  son  to 
his  kind  parents,  and  leading  a  moral,  and  in  the 
sight  of  his  Ammish  brethren,  a  pious  life.  In  his 
26th  year  he  was  encouraged  by  them  to  take  part 
in  preaching,  which  he  did  with  such  grace  and  abil- 
ity as  he  had.  Not  long  after,  however,  he  felt  the 
need  of  a  change  of  heart,  which  he   found.     He 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  161 

now  attempted  to  preach  this  to  his  brethren,  with 
the  hope,  he  said,  that  this  doctrine  of  a  change  of 
heart,  and  the  news  of  the  joy  he  experienced,  would 
be  well  received  by  them;  but  it  was  not  so.  That  the 
kingdom  of  God  did  not  consist  in  external  ordinan- 
ces, but  in  Justification  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  peace 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  they  could,  or  would  not 
understand.  And  after  having  admonished  him  for 
the  third  time,  and  he  continuing  in  preaching  it  with 
power,  they  by  a  special  deputation,  enjoined  silence 
upon  him.  He  said  when  the  elders  of  the  Ammish 
society  had  done  this,  he  felt  such  comfort  and 
peace  of  mind,  as  he  had  never  enjoyed  nor  felt, 
before. 

His  gospel  labors  proved  a  blessing  to  many,  and 
spread  much  by  his  energetic  efforts  in  the  cause  of 
God.  In  the  year  1804,  he  removed  with  his  family 
west  of  the  Allegheny  mountains,  and  settled  him- 
self near  Mt.  Pleasant,  in  Westmoreland  county. 
From  here  he  made  frequent  visits  into  the  State  of 
Ohio.  Bro.  Draksel's  name  will  long  live,  and  be 
cherished  by  many  in  and  out  of  the  Church.  His 
life  was  blameless. 

His  countenance  was  an  index  of  the  grace  and 
spirit  that  dwelt  within.  With  his  fine  silvery 
beard,  he  resembled  the  Patriarchs  of  old.  He  was 
a  pattern  of  piety,  a  lover  of  hospitality,  a  lover  of 
good  men.     His  end  was  joy  and  peace. 


162  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

ABRAHAM  DRAKSEL, 

DEPARTED   THIS   LIFE 

IN  THE  MONTH  OF  FEBRUARY  1825; 
Aged  72   years. 

PREACHED  IN  THE  BRETHREN  CHURCH  FORTY-THREE  YEARS. 

An  act  was  passed  by  this  Conference.  (1821,) 
more  expressive  of  the  views  of  the  Church  on  Slave- 
ry, which  we  will  give  as  found  in  the  discipline 
printed  by  order  of  General  Conference,  held  1825. 

Resolved,  That  all  Slavery  in  every  sense  of  the 
word,  be  totally  prohibited,  and  in  no  way  tolerated 
in  our  Church. 

Should  some  be  found  in  our  Church,  or  others 
desire  to  be  admitted  as  members  who  hold  slaves, 
they  can  neither  continue  to  be  members,  or  be  ad- 
mitted as  such,  except  they  do  manumit  such  slaves 
wherever  the  law  of  the  State  shall  permit  it,  or 
submit  the  case  to  the  Quarterly  Conference,  to  be 
by  them  specified,  what  length  of  time  such  slave 
shall  serve  his  master  or  other  person,  until  the 
amount  paid  for  him,  or  for  raising  him,  be  compen- 
sated to  his  master.  But  in  no  case  shall  a  member 
of  our  Church  be  permitted  to  sell  a  slave. 

On  ardent  spirits  the  following  action  was  had: 

That  no  member  of  the  Church  shall  be  allowed 
to  carry  on  a  distillery,  and  that  distillers  be  reques- 
ted to  willingly  cease  the  business.  That  this  re- 
solve be  laid  before  the  several  Annual  Conferences, 


1821  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  163 

that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  preachers  to  labor 
against  the  cause  and  sad  effects  of  intemperance 
during  the  interval  of  this,  and  the  next  General 
Conference,  when  this  subject  shall  again  be  taken 
up  for  further  consideration. 

ELECTION    OF    BISHOPS. 

Christian  Newcomer  was  re-elected,  and  Joseph 
Hoffman  was  elected  in  place  of  Andrew  Zeller,  who 
by  reason  of  the  infirmities  of  age,  could  not  travel 
to  the  Annual  Conferences. 

May  17th,  and  last  day  of  the  session,  Conference 
met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  and  its  first  business 
was  the  ordination  of  Joseph  Hoffman  to  the  office 
of  a  Bishop,  which  was  a  solemn  and  a  blessed 
season.     To  God  be  all  the  glory:  Amen, 


164  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1825 


CHAPTER   XVII. 


General  Conference  of  1825 — Questions  proposed  to  candidates  for 
the  ministry  —  Ordination  of  Bishops  omitted  —  Salary  of  Bishops 
—  Delegates  appointed  to  attend  certain  Conferences  of  the  M.  E. 
Church  —  Salary  of  preachers  —  Persecution  —  John  G.  Pfrimer 
— -  close  of  his  life  —  Biographic  Sketch  of  Abraham  Mayer. 

General  Conference  met  at  Jacob  Shaubs,  Tus- 
carawas county,  Ohio,  May  7th,  1825. 

Christian  Newcomer,  Joseph  Hoffman,  Bishops. 

PENNSYLVANIA    CONFERENCE. 
MEMBERS  PRESENT. 

Abraham  Myer,  John  Hildt,  Jacob  Daub,  Daniel 
Pfeifer,  William  Brown. 

MUSKINGUM    CONFERENCE. 
MEMBERS  PRESENT. 
H.  G.  Spay th,  Henry   Errett,  James  Johnston,  J. 
Crum,  Christian  Berger. 

MIAMI    CONFERENCE. 

MEMBERS  PRESENT. 


Henry  Kumler,  Sr., 
Henry  J.  Fry, 
Jacob  Antrim, 
John  Fetterhoff, 
Samuel  Hiestand, 
Nathaniel  HaA^ens, 

These  Conferences,  like  the  Annual   Conferences 
are  opened  always  with  a  suitable  address  by   the 


Andrew  Zeller, 
John  G.  Pfrimer, 
George  Hoffman, 
Dewalt  Machlin, 
William  Ambrose, 
William  Steward. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  165 

presiding  officer,  the  reading  of  a  chapter  from  the 
scriptures,  singing  and  prayer. 

The  election  of  one  or  two  of  the  members  for 
secretaries. 

The  adoption  of  rules  to  govern  the  session  of 
Conference  for  the  time  being. 

When  properly  organized,  the  first  business  in  or- 
der is,  the  reading  of  discipline,  and  revision  if  need 
be,  as  the  reading  progresses. 

At  this  Conference  the  last  eight  lines  of  section 
first,  in  the  Discipline,  were  added;  but  that  the  rea- 
der may  fully  understand  the  sense  we  quote  the 
paragraph  entire,  which  reads,  (translated  correctly:) 
rt  We  are  convinced  that  the  outward  means  of 
grace,  viz:  baptism  and  the  remembrance  of  the 
sufferings  and  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  are 
to  be  practised  by  all  christian  Churches,  and  that 
it  is  incumbent  on  the  children  of  God  specially  to 
practise  them;  but  the  mode  and  manner  ought  al- 
ways to  be  left  to  the  judgment  and  understanding 
of  every  individual.  Likewise  the  example  of 
washing  feet  is  left  free  to  practice  or  omit.  (Added,) 
Nevertheless  it  is  not  becoming  any  of  our  preach- 
ers, to  speak  lightly  of  any  of  his  brethren,  whose 
judgment  and  understanding  (credenda,)  in  this  res- 
pect should  be  different  from  his  own,  neither  in 
public  nor  in  private,  to  depreciate  the  mode  and 
manner  in  which  a  brother  may  practice  the  same. 
Whosoever  shall  make  himself  guilty  in  this  respect, 
shall  be  accounted  a  traducer  of  his  brethren,  and 
shall  therefore  be  answerable  for  the  same." 
The  Scioto  Annual  Conference  set  off. 


166  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

The  questions  to  persons  proposed  as  preachers, 
were  by  this  Conference  improved,  by  striking  out 
those  formerly  used,  and  inserting  the  questions  as 
they  stand  in  our  present  discipline,  Section  6,  and 
are  the  following: — 

Ques.  "  Have  you  known  God  in  Christ  Jesus  to 
be  a  sin  pardoning  God  ? 

Have  you  now  peace  with  God,  and  is  the  love  of 
God  shed  abroad  in  your  heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit  ? 

Do  you  follow  after  holiness  ? 

Do  you  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God; 
and  that  therein  is  contained  the  true  way  to  our 
salvation  ? 

What  foundation  have  you  for  this  belief? 

What  is  your  motive  for  desiring  permission  t© 
preach  the  gospel  ? 

What  is  your  knowledge  of  faith,  of  depravity, 
(added  since,)  of  repentance,  justification,  sanctifica- 
tion  and  redemption? 

Does  your  own  salvation,  and  the  salvation  of 
your  fellow  mortals,  lie  nearer  to  your  heart  than 
all  other  things  in  the  world  ? 

Can  you  subject  yourself  to  the  counsel  of  your 
brethren  ? 

Are  you  satisfied  with  our  Church  government? 
(added  since.) 

Will  you  be  obedient  and  ready  to  speak  or  hold 
your  peace,  as  your  brethren  may  think  expedi- 
ent ? 

Are  you  willing,  as  much  as  is  in  your  power,  to 


1825  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  167 

assist  in  upholding  the  itinerant  plan,  and  support- 
ing the  same  as  much  as  possible  ? 

Ordination  of  Bishops  in  future,  omitted. 

"  Resolved,  That  as  the  newly  elected  Bishop  has 
already  been  ordained  by  the  imposition  of  hands, 
as  an  Elder  in  the  Church,  a  second  ordination  is 
deemed  not  essential  to  the  duties  of  a  Bishop,  nor 
do  we  find  a  scripture  precedent  for  a  second  or  third 
ordination." 

This  Conference  inserted  a  clause  into  the  disci- 
pline, that  once  a  year  a  public  collection  shall  be 
received  at  each  appointment  on  every  circuit,  for 
the  support  of  the  traveling  Bishops,  limiting  a 
Bishop  if  married,  to  $160;  if  single,  to  $80,  per 
annum,  and  traveling  expenses.  Until  this  time, 
the  traveling  Bishops  had  received  no  pecuniary  aid 
from  the  Church. 

Messengers  appointed  to  attend  certain  Conferen 
ces  named,  of  the  Methodist  E.  Church. 

Since  the  friendly  relation  which  had  existed  be- 
tween the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  and  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  and  which  in  an  unhappy 
hour,  had  been  broken  off,  or  informally  withdrawn 
by  the  M.  E.  Church ;  it  is  not  to  be  supposed 
nor  inferred,  that  that  pure  love  which  filled  the 
hearts  of  many  in  both  Churches,  had  suffered  loss 
or  burned  less  brightly.  No  !  Brethren  still  loved, 
and  with  undiminishing  ardor,  stimulated  by  the 
hope,  that  the  correspondence  would  be  resumed  be- 
tween the  Conferences.  But  years  passed,  and 
none  came  from  either  Church, 


168  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

The  present  General  Conference  resolved  that. 
two  Elders  be  sent  to  each  of  three  of  the  M.  E. 
Annual  Conferences,  and  for  this  purpose  appoin- 
ted Henry  Kumler  Si\,  and  John  McNamer,  to  the 
Ohio  ;  Christian  Newcomer  and  John  Hildt,  to  the 
Baltimore  ;  Joseph  Hoffman  and  H.  G.  Spayth.  to 
the  Pittsburgh  Annual  Conferences.  The  object  of 
which,  was  to  renew  the  former  compact  between  the 
two  Churches,  indulging  in^  the  hope  that  such  a  re- 
newal would  be  acceptable  to  many  of  our  much  be- 
loved, and  dearly  esteemed  brethren  in  the  M.  E. 
Church.  But  no  report  was  made  by  these  messen- 
gers to  the  General  Conference  next  ensuing. 

Christian  Newcomer  and  Henry  Kumler  Sr.,  elec- 
ted Bishops  for  the  four  ensuing  years. 

Next  General  Conference  to  meet  at  Dewalt 
Mechlins,  near  Lancaster,  Ohio,  May  15th,  1829. 

The  time  these  Conferences  were  in  session,  were 
as  follows: 

The  General  Conference  of  1815,  was  in  session 
five  days;  that  in  1817,  three  days;  that  in  1821,  four 
days;  and  the  present  one,  1825,  three  days;  and  that 
held  in  1829,  was  in  session  four  days. 

How  much  can  men  do  in  a  short  space  of  time, 
who  are  willing  to  understand  each  other,  with  a 
spirit  of  subordination,  and  brotherly  affection,  and 
where  pure  love  entwines  her  flowery  wreath  among 
the  interstices  of  debate  ;  there  angels  may  glide 
unseen,  and  smile,  and  clap  their  wings  with  joy, 
and  entice  one  to  pray  —  Lord  —  evermore  give  us 
such  Conferences.     How  blessed  are  they   that   live 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  169 

in  the  golden  age  of  a  nation,  a  people,  or  a 
Church. 

We  have  stated  that  the  preachers  were  limited 
from  $80  to  $160  per  year.  This  is  to  be  under- 
stood, as  the  most  one  might  justly  receive,  but 
how  much  less  than  that  sum  next  to  00,  had  the 
brethren  preachers  been  subjected  to,  in  the  history 
of  our  Church  for  many  years,  cannot  be  known  at 
this  time.  This  much  we  do  know,  that  brethren 
traveled  and  preached  extensively  for  years,  and 
received  less  than  fifty,  and  some  less  than  twenty 
dollars  a  year ;  and  these  brethren  had  rising  fami- 
lies, and  were  by  no  means  in  affluent  circumstan- 
ces. Not  that  these  men  preached  to  a  poverty 
stricken  people,  but  the  reverse ;  yet  so  it  was, 
whether  through  ignorance  or  conscientious  scruples, 
the  preacher  among  the  Germans  received  little  or 
nothing.  He  that  then  would  preach  the  gospel, 
must  do  it  without  money  or  price. 

The  harvest  was  great,  the  laborers  were  few; 
those  were  times  which  tried  men's  faith,  causing 
sore  conflicts,  and  placed  the  early  ministers  often 
in  straightened  circumstances ;  yet  they  were  ena- 
bled to  say  —  "The  Lord  has  delivered  us  out  of 
them  all." 

An  impression  has  prevailed  with  some,  that  the 
preachers  of  the  Church  were  rich.  This  was  true 
of  a  few  of  them,  others  were  but  in  limited  circum- 
stances, and  yet  others  had  still  less. 

"  Those  who  think  that  the  gospel  can  be  success- 
"  fully  preached,  sinners  alarmed,  awakened   and 

12 


170  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

''converted  to  God,  missions  and  circuits  formed, 
"  amidst  a  host  of  opposers  and  gainsaye'rs  ;  oppo- 
"  sed  by  a  wicked  world,  as  a  matter  of  course  ; 
"  opposed  by  far  the  largest  class  of  nominal  pro- 
"  fessors  of  this  very  religion  of  Jesus  Christ ;  op- 
"  posed  by  a  proud  and  bigoted  clergy  on  one  side, 
"  and  on  the  other  by  a  good-meaning,  but  ignorant 
"  and  benighted  class  of  preachers ;  we  say  if  any 
"  man  thinks  that  the  Brethren  Church,  or  any  other 
"Church  under  the  same  circumstances,  could  cause 
"her  voice  to  be  heard, —  could  arise  and  shine, 
"  and  the  men  whom  the  Lord  had  called  to  this 
"  work,  suffer  no  earthly  loss,  make  no  great  sacrifi- 
"  ces,  had  not  both  to  labor  and  suffer  reproach, 
"  and  who  are  accounted  by  all  opponents  as  sheep 
"  for  the  slaughter.  We  say  again,  should  any  one 
"  think  that  this  could  be  done,  and  the  preachers 
"  swim  in  wealth;  he  must  conceive  a  chimera  more 
"  absurd  than  the  prince  who  persuaded  himself, 
"  that  his  marble  palace  had  been  reared  by  the 
"  tiny  hands  of  fairies." 

"  May  13th,  1801.  This  day  we  (G.  A.  Guething, 
John  Hershey,  and  C.  Newcomer,)  came  to  Carlisle, 
Pa.,  and  preached  at  night  in  the  Methodist  Meeting- 
house. We  had  a  blessed  meeting  ;  many  were  fill- 
ed with  the  love  of  God,  which  was  not  the  least 
surprising  to  us ;  but  what  surprised  us,  was  the 
persecution  which  prevailed  in  this  place  to  a  great 
extent.  Only  a  few  days  since,  a  preacher  on  his 
way  home  from  divine  service,  was  knocked  down 
in  the  street ;  and  last  night  a  young  man  was  dread- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  171 

fully  maltreated  and  injured,  (for  the  same  cause,) 
and  lies  now  dangerously  ill."  — Newcomer 's  Jour- 
nal. 

As  late  as  1819,  the  minister  of  a  certain  German 
orthodox  Church,  suffered  his  aged  father  to  be 
shut  out  from  the  School-house  where  he  (the  fath- 
er,) was  teaching  at  the  time,  because  the  father 
and  praying  mother  of  this  son  of  the  gospel,  had 
attached  themselves  to  the  Brethren  Church. 

John  G.  Pfrimer  died  this  year  1825,  at  his  home  in 
Harrison  county,  Indiana.  He  was  present  at  the 
General  Conference  held  at  Jacob  Shaubs,  for  1825 
—  appeared  to  be  in  good  health  —  preached  with 
his  usual  clearness  and  power. 

Bro.  Henry  Bonebrake  who  was  with  father  Pfrim- 
er in  the  last  months  and  days  of  his  life,  said  to 
the  writer,  that  Bro.  Pfrimer  preached  if  possible, 
with  more  life  and  energy  than  ever,  —  saying  that 
his  "  race  was  run,  having  assurance  (to  use  his  own 
words,)  that  he  was  going  to  the  great  assembly  in 
heaven,"  that  his  hope  in  his  Redeemer  was  firm, 
affording  him  great  joy  as  eternity  drew  near,  and 
that  while  he  was  uttering  these  words,  his  coun- 
tenance beamed  as  with  a  light,  which  was  visible 
upon  him  in  death.  Truly  blessed  are  they  that 
die  in  the  Lord. 


172  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

THUS  THIS  SERVANT  OF  THE  LORD 

CEASED    TO    LABOR, 

AND    TO    LIVE   ON    EARTH, 

IN    THE 

SIXTY-FOURTH  YEAR  OF  HIS  AGE. 

SPENT    IN    THE   MINISTRY    THIRTY-FIVE    YEARS. 

1825. 

One  name  more,  justly  merits  a  place  here  ;  that 
of  Abraham  Mayer,  of  Cumberland  county,  Pa.T 
who  stood  as  a  pillar  in  the  cause  of  God. 

Bro.  A.  Mayer  united  himself  with  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  in  1796.  He  began  preaching 
about  the  same  time,  and  continued,  until  laid  on  a 
bed  of  sickness,  where  he  lingered  and  suffered  pa- 
tiently, until  his  release  came.  In  person,  Bro. 
Mayer  was  of  a  prepossessing  appearance,  in  dress 
a  Mennonite,  in  heart  and  life,  an  Israelite  indeed  ; 
possessing  a  strong  and  cultivated  mind.  In  prayer 
it  was  evident  that  he  had  power  with  God,  in  preach- 
ing, he  reminded  one  always  of  an  Elijah  of  old, 
stern  in  his  reproofs,  and  uncompromising  in  his 
dealings  with  sin.  He  loved  the  cause  of  his  divine 
Master,  and  adorned  it  with  a  most  exemplary  and 
holy  life,  giving  much  of  his  time  to  preaching,  and 
of  his  substance,  to  raise  and  build  up  the  Church, 
to  which  he  was  as  a  father. 

His  house  was  a  preaching  house  for  many  years, 
and  frequent  big  meetings  were   held  there.     The 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  178 

first  in  that  place  was  held  in  May,  1798.  Boehin, 
Draksel,  Pfrimer  and  Newcomer  were  there.  It  was 
a  great-good  meeting,  and  the  day  of  eternity  will 
reveal  the  result.  As  this  meeting  was  held  within 
three  miles  of  that  Carlisle,  where  there  then  was  a 
violent  opposition,  the  spirit  of  enmity  extended  to 
the  neighborhood  of  Bro.  Mayers.  But  his  pru- 
dence, his  faith  and  confidence  in  God,  enabled  him 
to  maintain  his  ground,  and  sustain  the  Church 
which  had  gathered  around  him  at  that  perilous 
time.  Never  was  he  known  to  shrink  from  attend- 
ing to  the  arduous  duties  which  the  Church  frequent- 
ly desired  him  to  perform. 

In  the  year  1813,  he  had  a  chain  of  appointment 
given  out  for  him  ;  the  first  of  which  was  45  miles 
from  his  home.  When  within  4  or  5  miles  of  the 
place  of  meeting,  he  inquired  at  a  respectable  farm 
house,  the  road  and  the  distance  to  Mr.  K.'s.  The 
Lady  of  the  house  came  to  the  door,  and  after  giv- 
ing the  desired  information  —  from  a  word  which  he 
accidentally  spoke,  the  Lady  wished  to  know  whether 
he  was  the  man  who  was  expected  to  preach  at  K.'g 

Ans.     Yes. 

But  you  do  not  look  like  our  preachers,  who  ar* 
you  ?     What  Church  do  you  belong  to  ? 

Ans.     The  United  Brethren. 

But  she  said  to  her  husband,  that  she  understood 
the  stranger  to  say  converted  brethren,  repeating 
the  words  converted  brethren,  again  and  again,  re- 
marking, who  ever  heard  of  the  converted  Brethren 
Church. 


174  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

But  said  the  husband,  you  must  have  misunder- 
stood the  man. 

No!  The  Lady  insisted  she  thought  she  had  not, 
that  he  had  said  they  were  called  the  converted 
brethren.  "  Now,"  said  she,  "  this  is  very  strange; 
supposing  we  go  to  the  meeting,"  —  and  so  they 
went.  The  Lady  said  she  was  resolved  to  hear  what 
a  converted  preacher  would  preach,  expecting  to 
hear  something  either  to  amuse  or  to  ridicule.  But 
conviction  ensued  from  what  she  heard,  and  the 
word  converted  wrung  in  her  ears  all  the  while  — 
which  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  herself  and  her 
husband,  and  thence  spread  in  their  neighborhood. 
And  yet  this  man  and  his  wife,  had  in  their  youth 
been  catechised  and  confirmed. 

This  is  but  a  case  out  of  a  thousand,  where  under 
catechetical  instructions  and  trainings,  the  youth- 
ful subjects,  nevertheless,  remain  in  profound  igno- 
rance of  the  cause,  the  nature,  and  the  necessity  of 
the  new  birth,  aind  as  ignorant  of  the  truth  of  the 
converting  power  of  God,  by  a  happy  experience,  as 
if  it  was  no  part  of  the  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ. 

O  ye  Pastors,  is  it  -possible  that  the  hungry  sheep 
look  up,  and  are  not  fed. 

Come  to  Calvary's  holy  mountain, 

Sinners  ruined  by  the  fall  ! 
Here  a  pure  and  healing  fountain, 

Flows  to  you  —  to  me  —  to  all  — 
In  a  full  perpetual  tide, 
Opened  when  the  Saviour  died. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  first  General  Confere  nee 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  175 

also  a  delegate  in  1825,  where  we  saw  him  for  the 
last  time.  Oh  the  flight  of  time,  and  with  it  we  suf- 
fer the  loss  of  dear  and  valuable  friends. 

ABRAHAM    MAYER 

DEPARTED  THIS  LIFE 

NOVEMBER    28,    1  S  2  6, 

IN    THE 

SIXTY-FOURTH  YEAR  OF  HIS  AGE. 

A    FAITHFUL    PREACHER 

AND    SERVANT    OF    JESUS, 

FOR    THIRTY    YEARS. 


176 


HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


1829 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


General  Conference  of  1829  —  Presiding  Elders  to  be  elected  for  one 
year  —  Close  of  the  life  of  Bishop  Newcomer  —  General  Confer- 
ence of  1833  —  Affirmation  —  The  Telescope  —  Constitution. 

General  Conference  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,  met  at  Dewalt  Mechlins,  Fairfield  county, 
Ohio,  May  15th,  1829. 

Christian  Newcomer,  Henry  Kumler,  Bishops. 
MEMBERS  PRESENT. 


PENNSYLVANIA    CONFERENCE. 


William  Brown, 
Henry  Burtner, 
Jacob  Erb, 
John   Hendricks, 


Thomas  Miller, 
John  Zahn, 
Simon  Dresbach, 
Ezekial  Bo  wring. 


John  Crum, 
John  Hildt, 


MUSKINGUM    CONFERENCE. 

John  Bash 

[two  absent. 

SCIOTO     CCNFERENCE. 


Joseph  Hoffman, 
George  Benedum, 
Elijah  Collins, 
John  Russel. 


John  Coons, 
James  Kenny, 
James  Ross. 


H.  J.  Frey, 
John  McNamer, 
Jacob  Flickinger, 
George  Bonebrake, 

J.  Antrim, 


MIAMI    CONFERENCE. 

Andrew  Zeller, 
John  Denham, 
John  Fetterhoff, 
Aaron  Farmer, 
F.  Whitcom. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  177 

Conference  was  opened  by  Bishop  Newcomer 
reading  a  portion  of  scripture,  singing  and  prayer. 

John  Hildt  and  Thomas  Miller,  Sec'y. 

Virginia  and  Indiana  Annual  Conferences,  were 
set  off. 

Resolved,  That  in  future,  the  Presiding  Elders  be 
elected  for  the  term  of  one  year.  Four  years  had 
been  the  former  time. 

The  account  of  the  Benevolent  Fund  Societies, 
was  called  for,  and  on  examination  it  was  found  that 
the  Society  in  Maryland  had  in  its  treasury, 
$  1134,47;  in  Ohio,  $  717,45. 

This  Conference  by  a  vote  of  23  yeas  against  4 
nays,  made  the  Benevolent  Society  in  the  State  of 
Ohio,  auxilliary  to  that  located  at  Hagerstown  in 
the  State  of  Maryland. 

On  the  fourth  day  of  the  session,  C.  Newcomer 
and  Henry  Kumler  Sr.,  re-elected  Bishops. 

And  on  the  fifth  day,  in  love  and  peace,  Confer- 
ence adjourned. 

1830,  Brings  us  to  the  demise  of  Bishop  C.  New- 
comer, he  being  in  the  82  year  of  his  age. 

On  the  10th  of  April,  1829,  the  Pennsylvania 
Conference  closed  its  session  in  love  and  peace. 
On  the  11th,  Newcomer  took  a  tender  and  affection- 
ate leave  of  the  family  of  his  son  Andrew's,  and 
friends,  and  set  out  once  more  for  the  State  of  Ohio. 
On  the  28th,  the  same  month,  he  met  the  Musking- 
um Conference  ;  and  on  the  11th  of  May,  the  Scioto 
Conference;  and  on  the  15th,  the  General    Confer- 


178  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

ence  commenced  at  Harmans,  Pleasant  Run,  Fair- 
field county  Ohio. 

Of  this  he  writes:  "  Conference  proceeded  to  the 
election  of  two  Bishops,  and  on  counting  the  ballots, 
it  appeared  that  Henry  Kumler  and  myself,  were 
re-elected.  O  Lord  !  give  me  grace  and  strength  to 
discharge  my  duty" 

In  the  year  1810,  Bro.  Newcomer  for  the  first  time 
visited  the  Brethren  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  —  held  a 
Conference  at  Bro.  Michael  Criders,  Ross  county; 
fifteen  preachers  being  present.  The  present  was 
the  nineteenth,  and  the  last  journey  of  his,  acros.- 
the  Allegheny  mountains.  By  reference  to  his 
journal,  we  find  that  in  this  trip  to  Ohio,  and  return 
he  spent  about  eleven  weeks,  (from  the  11th  of  April, 
to  the  25th  of  June,)  traveled  about  fifteen  hun- 
dred miles  on  horse-back, —  attended  three  Annual 
and  one  General  Conference,  with  preaching  by  the 
way.  "  Left  Jacob  Baulus's,  Lower  Sandusky,  and 
rode  52  miles  same  day." 

In  1828,  he  being  in  his  eightieth   year,  attended 
no   less  than  eight  camp-meetings,  engaged  in  the 
public  exercises  at  all  of  them,  more  or  less.     These 
seemed  to  renew  his  youth,  and  he  enjoyed  them  to 
the  glory  of  God. 

Daily,  and  continually,  whether  in  the  house  or 
on  the  high-way,  in  conversation  or  meditation,  his 
mind  appeared  to  be  filled  with  but  one  thought,  and 
that  thought  was  the  salvation  of  a  lost  world.  To 
this  all  his  energies  were  kept  in  constant  exercise 
and  employment. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  179 

His  mind  had  no  party  bias,  he  knew,  or  seemed 
to  know,  neither  this  Church  nor  that  Church,  to  him 
Christ  was  all  and  in  all. 

He  delighted  in  christian  liberality  and  social 
friendship,  and  was  known  to  ride  more  than  one 
hundred  miles  to  a  Methodist  camp-meeting,  where 
he  was  sure  to  meet  with  a  hearty  welcome,  and  with 
the  people  of  God. 

In  him  the  needy  preacher  found  a  patron  and  a 
friend.  He  would  plead  their  cause  before  brethren, 
and  was  sure  not  to  plead  in  vain.  We  have  seen 
him  return  from  a  western  tour,  with  less  clothing, 
and  ever  with  less  money  than  he  had  set  out  with. 

Sunday,  October  11th,  1829,  he  says — "  I  re- 
mained at  home,  engaged  in  reading  and  prayer. 
Found  my  mind  drawn  out  to  God,  for  all  my  breth- 
ren in  the  ministry.  My  feebleness  is  increasing  ; 
the  strength  of  my  constitution  is  gone.  O  Lord  ! 
look  on  me  in  mercy,  and  grant  me  ability  to  prove 
faithful  the  few  remaining  days  of  my  present  life." 

November  1st.  "This  day  I  am  confined  to  my 
room,  but  glory  to  God,  I  enjoy  a  sweet  communion 
with  him  :  solitary,  yet  not  alone.  The  best  of 
friends,  my  Saviour,is  with  me.  How  blessed  is  the 
condition  of  aged  people,  when  they  know  that  God 
and  Christ  is  reconciled.  If  there  is  any  wish  or 
regret  in  the  past,  it  is  that  I  had  served  my  Lord 
and  Master  more  faithfully.  I  pray  thee  my  Re- 
deemer, to  grant  me  a  full  pardon,  for  I  am  still  thy 
servant." 

February    21st,  1830,  he    attentcd  a  Quarterly- 


180  HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  1830 

meeting  in  Hagerstown,  which  was  his  last  meeting 
with  the  Church  militant.  And  March  4th,  he  made 
the  last  effort  to  write  a  note,  and  could  only  write, 
"  Alas  !  I  find  myself  not  able  to  write,  and  lay 
down  my  pen,  the  Lord  knows  whether  I  shall  ever 
resume  it  again.  His  will  be  done:  Amen  —  Hal- 
lelujah !" 

His  weakness  and  debility  now  perceptibly  in- 
creased, but  never  complained  of  much  pain,  and 
without  assistance,  he  would  rise  from  his  bed  daily, 
until  March  12th,  when  he  requested  a  young 
brother  who  was  present,  to  pray  once  more,  which 
was  done.  Newcomer  himself,  and  without  aid, 
arose  from  his  pillow,  and  with  those  persons  pres- 
ent, bowed  himself  at  the  bed-side,  before  the  throne 
of  his  divine  Master.  After  he  had  prayed,  he  laid 
again  on  his  bed,  and  in  a  few  minutes,  calmly  and 
sweetly  drew  his  last  breath. 

Truly,  this  was  dying  in  the  arms  of  Jesus. 

CHRISTIAN  NEWCOMER, 

AN     EMINENT     SERVANT      OF     CHRIST, 

WAS  BORN  IN  LANCASTER  COUNTY,  PA. 

JANUARY  21,  1749; 

AND    FINISHED    HIS    COURSE 

MARCH  12  1830. 

He  exercised  his  ministry  for  the  space  of  fifty- 
three  years,  with  extraordinary  zeal.  His  labors 
in  the  gospel  were  incessant  and  wide  spread. 
"  Mark  the  pious,  and  behold  the  just,  for  the  end  of 
such  is  peace."  — Psalms  xxxvii,  37. 


1833 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST. 


181 


The  United  Brethren  in  Christ  met  in  General 
Conference,  at  the  Dresbach  Church,  Pickaway  Co., 
Ohio,  May  14th,  1833- 

Henry  Kumler,  Bishop. 

PENNSYLVANIA  CONFERENCE. 


Ezekial  Bo  wring, 
Jacob  Erb, 
Jacob  Snyder, 


William  Brown, 
James  Neiman, 
Frederick  Gilbert. 


Henry  G.  Spayth 
Adam  Hetzler, 
Sewel  C.  Briggs, 


MUSKINGUM    CONFERENCE. 

John  Eckhart, 


Christian  Kenegy, 


VIRGINIA    CONFERENCE. 

William  Rhinehart, 

SCIOTO    CONFERENCE. 


John  Russel, 
Jacob  Baulus, 
George  Benedum, 
Daniel  Davis, 


William  Hastings, 
James  Ross, 
Samuel  Hiestand, 
John  Coons. 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE. 

John  Denham,  Josiah  Davis 

James  Griffith,  John  McNamer, 

Aaron  Farmer,  Francis  Whitcom. 


MIAMI    CONFERENCE. 

Henry  Kumler  Jr., 
John  Fetterhoff, 
Samuel  Hoffman, 
John  Swearingen. 

W.  R.  Rhinehart,  and  H.  G.  Spayth,  Sec'ys. 

The  amount  of  business  which  came  before   this 


Abraham  S.  Decker, 
David  Keiser, 
George  Bonebrake, 


182  HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  1833 

Conference,  exceeded  that  of  any  preceding  Con- 
ference, if  we  except  the  first. 

The  powers  of  the  General  Conference  were  more 
clearly  defined,  in  answer  to  the  question, 

Does  the  General  Conference  possess  any  power 
which  an  Annual  Conference  does  not  ? 

Ans.  Yes:  the  General  Conference  alone,  can 
elect  from  among  the  Elders  of  the  Church,  one  or 
more  Bishops  for  the  ensuing  four  years,  and  to 
make  such  provisions  as  may  be  conducive  to  the 
good  of  the  whole  Church:  Provided,  however,  that 
it  in  no  way  alter  the  confession  of  faith,  neither 
to  add  to,  nor  take  therefrom. 

Nor  shall  any  of  its  acts  be  so  construed,  as 
would  in  any  manner  change  the  meaning  spirit, 
rules  and  regulations  of  our  discipline  as  they  now 
stand. 

Resolved,  That  the  number  of  delegates  sent  from 
each  Annual  Conference  District  to  the  General 
Conference,  be  limited  to  two  Elders. 

AFFIRMATION. 

We  believe  that  the  mode  of  testifying  to  the  truth, 
when  required  so  to  do  in  a  legal  form,  by  way  of 
affirmation,  is  on  us  solemnly,  conscientiously  and 
fully  binding  before  God,  to  tell  the  truth,  the  whole 
truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth. 

A  year  or  two  previous  to  the  sitting  of  this  Con- 
ference, a  highly  respectable  citizen  in  the  State  of 
Maryland,  was  summoned  as  a  witness  before  a 
Court  of  Justice.  The  Court  refused  to  allow  him 
to  affirm,  and   demanded  that   he  should  be  sworn. 


1833  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  183 

The  witness  replied  that  conscientiously  he  could 
not  swear  the  oath  required.  The  Judge  replied, 
that  if  the  Church  of  which  he  was  a  member,  con- 
tained a  disciplinary  clause  to  that  effect,  the  Court 
would  admit  him  to  affirm,  if  not  he  must  swear 
which  he  firmly  refused.  The  Court  was  about  to 
commit  him  to  jail  for  contumacy,  when  the  Gen- 
tlemen at  the  Bar,  prevailed  with  the  Court  to  let 
the  witness  affirm.  Hence,  the  above  Section  in 
our  Discipline  on  affirmation,  and  believing  as  we 
do,  that  swearing  by  the  Bible,  or  in  the  name  of 
Almighty  God,  is  contrary  to  the  words  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  says,  "  swear  not  at  all."  —  Min- 
utes of  General  Conference. 

Henry  Kumler  Sr.,  William  Brown  and  Samuel 
Hiestand  elected  Bishops. 

General  Conference  in  1833,  impressed  with  the 
importance  of  having  a  Church  periodical  published 
under  its  own  supervision,  a  paper  devoted  to  re- 
ligious, moral  and  literary  intelligence. 

Resolved,  That  subscriptions  be  circulated  in  each 
of  our  Annual  Conference  Districts,  one  to  raise  a 
fund,  another  to  obtain  subscribers. 

That  the  office  of  said  paper  be  located  at  Circle- 
ville,  State  of  Ohio. 

George  Dresbach,  Jonathan  Dresbach  and  John 
Russel,  were  appointed  Trustees  to  carry  the  inten- 
tion expressed  in  the  resolution  into  effect,  and  as 
soon  as  practicable,  to  publish  or  cause  to  be  pub- 
lished, a  paper  of  the  character  specified  by  the  re- 
solve. 


184  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

Accordingly  the  first  paper  was  issued  about  the 
first  of  January,  1835,  under  the  title,  The  Religious 
Telescope.     W.  R.  Rhinehart,  Editor. 

From  the  subscription,  but  little  was  received  to- 
wards establishing  the  press.  And  the  credit  sys- 
tem, (so  ruinous  to  every  enterprise  of  the  kind,)  at 
more  than  one  period  of  the  existence  of  the  Relig- 
ious Telescope,  for  the  first  six  or  seven  years,  was 
sufficient  to  cause  an  entire  failure,  leaving  the  office 
largely  in  debt.  Its  continuance  and  final  success, 
freeing  itself  from  all  its  liabilities,  we  own ,  is  attrib- 
utable in  chief,  to  the  unremitting  care,  aid  and  at- 
tention which  the  establishment  received  from  its 
Trustees,  and  the  pecuniary  assistance  of  certain 
brethren  in  the  Church. 

The  Trustees  and  Editor,  Wm.  Hanby,  in  their 
report  to  the  General  Conference  held  at  Circleville, 
1845,  urged  on  the  Conference  the  necessity  of 
adopting  the  cash  principle  in  future,  which  report 
the  Conference  received  and  approved,  well  con- 
vinced by  a  painful  experience,  that  the  credit  sys- 
tem with  which  the  Telescope  had  contended 
from  its  commencement,  by  no  skill  nor  prudence  of 
its  agents  could  retrieve  its  losses,  or  be  prosecuted 
with  any  reasonable  hope  of  success. 

The  adoption  of  the  cash  principle  more  than 
realized  the  most  sanguine  hopes  of  the  Church  in 
the  present  instance. 

As  it  is,  our  Printing  Establishment  has  freed 
itself  from  debt,  and  is  at  this  time,  1851,  in  a 
healthy  and  prosperous  condition. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  185 

Its  subscription  list  ranges  between  five  and  six 
thousand  paying  subscribers,  and  from  present  pros- 
pects, will  double  that  number  in  less  than  five 
years. 

The  importance  and  usefulness  of  the  Press  to  the 
Church,  is  unquestionably  great,  and  guided  by  wise 
counsels,  must  from  its  ownentrinsic  value,  exercise 
a  controling  and  beneficial  influence  on  the  energies 
of  the  Church,  which  no  other  means  have  the 
power  to  effect. 

From  the  same  office  is  likewise  issued  semi- 
monthly, a  German  paper  called  the  Busy  Martha, 
with  a  subscription  list  deserving  encouragement, 
and  increase. 

Sandusky  Annual  Conference  set  off  by  General 
Conference,  1833. 

CONSTITUTION. 

The  General  Conference  held  1837,  formed  a  con- 
stitution, which  in  itself  contains  no  new  elementary 
principle,  but  what  the  discipline  heretofore  recog- 
nized and  embraced  ;  but  is  a  concentration  of  the 
fundamental  rules,  found  in  the  discipline,  under  ap- 
propriate sections.  The  constitution  as  it  is,  brings 
them  together  under  one  general  head,  in  a  clear 
and  comprehensive  manner,  first  defining  certain 
specific  duties;  secondly,  and  wisely,  setting  limits  to 
legislative  and  judicial  powers.  The  General  Con- 
ference of  1837  for  prudential  reasons,  caused  it  to 
be  published,  with  a  proviso  that  it  should  be  laid 
over  to  the  sitting  of  General  Conference  in  1841, 
affording  the  Church  an  opportunity  to  instruct  the 

13 


186  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

delegates  which  might  be  elected  to  that  Conference, 
to  adopt,  amend  or  reject  the  same. 

The  Conference  of  1841,  to  which  it  had  been 
referred,  took  it  up  as  unfinished  business,  and  with 
two  or  three  slight  amendments,  it  was  finally  adop- 
ted and  inserted  in  its  appropriate  place  in  the  dis- 
cipline. This  is  the  constitution  referred  to  in  the 
preceding  pages,  which  is,  and  ever  will  be  an  hon- 
or to  the  Church.  It  will  be  found  in  connection 
with  the  confession  of  faith  at  the  close  of  this 
volume. 

Henry  Kumler  Sr.,  John  Coons  and  Henry  Kum- 
ler  Jr.,  elected  Bishops  for  four  years. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  187 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


Christian  Grosh — Felix  Light — Martin  Crider — Christian  and 
Abraham  Hershey  —  Christian  Berger  —  Fournoy  —  Kenegy  — 
Bortsfield  —  Crum—  Lewis  Cramer—  J.  C.  McNamer  —  A.  Zel- 
jer  —  Jacob  Baulus  —  D.  Tryer  —  H.  Kumler  —  Joseph  Hoffman 
— -  Concluding  Remarks  —  Confession  of  faith —  Constitution. 

There  remain  yet  many  brethren  of  whom  we 
cannot  speak  at  large,  whose  services  and  position 
in  the  Church,  would  eminently  claim  for  them 
more  than  a  passing  notice  here.  Men  who  stood 
on  Zion's  walls,  and  only  left  their  charge  when 
beckoned  to  come  up  higher !  Here  are  a  few 
names: 

Christopher  Grosh,  greatly  beloved  and  respected, 
prudent  in  counsel  and  mighty  in  the  scriptures,  — 
a  peace-maker  to  many  —  a  co-worker  with  the 
brethren  for  more  than  forty  years  ;  he  too,  full  of 
years,  was  gathered  with  the  elect  of  God. 


Felix  Light,  a  giant  in  stature,  and  when  anima- 
ted, had  a  voice  like  distant  thunder,  yet  meek  as  a 
lamb.  True,  he  saw  that  rest  was  good,  and  the 
land  that  it  was  pleasant,  but  he  bowed  his  shoulder 
to  bear,  and  his  candle  shone  brightly.  His  memory 
is  embalmed  in  Lebanon. 


Martin  Crider,  the  oldest  preacher  next  to  Otter- 
bein  and  Boehm,  a  true  Aaronite,  a  strong  pillar  in 


188  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

the  Church  edifice ;  and  the  father  of  John  Crider 
the  sweet  singer,  the  sound  and  laborious  preacher, 
faithful  as  the  father  to  the  end. 


The  two  Hersheys,  Christian  and  Abraham,  love- 
ly in  youth,  serving  the  Lord,  nobly  bearing  the 
burden  and  heat  of  the  day.  Their  father  before 
them,  had  opened  his  house  and  his  substance 
to  the  then  rising  Church,  for  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel,  and  which  was  continued  as  such  by  his 
children  for  many  years.  Christian  is  in  Iowa. 
Abraham,  the  lovely,  friendly  Abraham,  has'gone  to 
rest! 


Christian  Berger  was  received  1802.  His  preach- 
ing commenced  in  Washington  county,  Pa.,  where 
the  fruit  of  his  preaching  Christ,  to  use  a  figure,  still 
waves  in  succession  like  a  handful  of  corn  on  the 
top  of  the  mountain.  His  voice  was  as  one  crying 
in  the  wilderness,  erratic  and  indefatigable  in  his 
preaching;  he  was  one  of  those  brethren  who  en- 
dured much  for  the  gospel,  in  weariness,  painful- 
ness  and  watchings,  a  man  tried  in  the  fire.  His 
hire  was  the  salvation  of  souls.  The  great  day 
will  present  his  great  reward. 


West  of  the   Ohio,   the   Church   had    Abraham 
Fourny,  C.  Kenegy, Matthias  Bortsfield,  John  Crum, 
men  faithful  in  their  calling.     Also;  George  Bene 
dum,  whose  life  was  pure,  and  his  preaching  blest ; 
yet  his  domestic   cup  was  mixed  with  wormwood- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  189 

Had  he  lived  to  this  day,  he  might  say  with  Jacob, 
"  It  is  enough,  my  children  live" — Oh!  how  adorable 
are  the  ways  of  the  Lord. 


John  Smaltz  thirty-five  years  a  preacher,  esteemed 
and  beloved,  was  removed  in  1847,  in  the  seventy- 
first  year  of  his  age. 


Lewis  Cramer  one  of  the  first  German  preachers 
in  the  west,  faithful  and  persevering,  a  watchman 
for  forty  years,  departed  September  17th,  1847,  in 
his  sixty-ninth  year 


J.  C.  McNamer,  a  true  son  of  the  gospel,  deter- 
mined to  march  in  the  front  rank  of  the  ministerial 
army.  He  chose  the  frontier  country  for  his  field  of 
gospel  labors,  to  forego  all  sorts  of  comforts,  to 
range  the  forest,  to  carry  the  gospel  to  the  newly 
arrived  inhabitants,  to  seek  the  lost  and  scattered  of 
Israel,  was  his  employment.  No  matter  how  poor 
or  destitute  they  or  himself  were.  Miami,  Indiana, 
White  River  and  Wabash  Conferences,  will  long  be 
blessed  with  the  increase  of  his  labors.  He  could 
say  in  truth, 

Nothing  on  earth  1  call  my  own; 
A  stranger  to  the  world  unknown, 

I  all  their  goods  despise; 
I  trample  on  their  whole  delight, 
And  seek  a  City  out  of  sight, 
A  City  in  the  skies. 

DEPARTED  THIS  LIFE,  1846; 

AGED  67  YEARS. 

IN    THE    MINISTRY    THIRTY-SIX    YEARS. 


190  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

Andrew  Zeller,  who  ended  his  days  in  the  Lord, 
near  Germantown,  Ohio,  1839;  having  seen  his  four 
score  years,  and  near  fifty  in  the  service  of  his  Lord 
and  Master.  After  the  demise  of  Wm.  Otterbein, 
he  was  elected  Bishop  in  1815.  The  duties  of  this 
important  office,  he  discharged  with  ability  and  sat- 
isfaction to  his  brethren,  for  six  years,  when  the 
great  distance  to  travel  (which  was  then  all  on  horse- 
back,) to  meet  the  Annual  Conferences,  had  become 
too  burdensome  for  him. 

One  incident  will  to  a  faint  degree,  illustrate  the 
piety  and  usefulness  of  this  man  of  God: 

While  on  his  official  tour  in  1815,  he  had  to  have 

a  small  piece  of  work  done,  in  the  town  of  M . 

The  mechanic  was  a  worthy  man,  but  would  attend 
no  Church,  nor  hear  preaching.  While  doing 
this  piece  of  work,  he  cast  a  heedless  look  at  Bro. 
Zellers,  who  stood  not  far  away,  with  his  hands 
folded  before  him.  The  man  looked  the  second  and 
the  third  time,  but  with  feelings  which  had  begun  to 
steal  on  him  for  which  he  could  not  account.  An- 
other look,  and  an  arrow  shot  through  his  breast. 
From  that  moment  he  had  no  rest,  (the  stranger 
stood  ever  before  him,  with  folded  hands,  and  as  he 
thought,  was  praying  to  God  for  his  poor  soul,)  till 
God  spoke  peace  to  him.  That  man  has  ever  since 
been  a  consistent  christian,  has  a  companion  in 
heaven,  and  children  in  the  service  of  God.  How 
many  splendid  sermons  are  preached,  but  no  con- 
versions. 

It  may  be  justly  inferred,  that  the  case  to  which 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  191 

allusion  has  been  made,  and  which  fell  under  the 
authors  immediate  notice  at  the  time,  was  but  one 
instance  of  many  of  like  character,  which  the  Spirit 
wrought  through  the  same  individual. 

What  a  contrast  between  what  men  call  great 
preachers,  and  what  God  approves.  One  hears  the 
echo  of"  applause;  the  other  is  followed  by  a  train 
of  happy  souls  bound  to  meet  in  heaven.  We  now 
see  through  a  glass,  darkly,  fleeting  visions  pass  be- 
fore and  around  us,  which  will  prove  happy  realities 
when  the  veil  will  be  lifted,  and  we  see  the  saints 
who  are  the  joy  and  diadem  of  the  true  minister, 
reflecting  the  light  of  Jesus  Christ.  To  write  a 
eulogy  for  Andrew  Zeller,  and  many  others,  were 
vain.  His  remains  rest  on  an  elevated  spot  of  land, 
near  Germantown.  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints. 


There  are  yet  living  (1851,)  of  the  members  of  our 
first  General  Conference,  Jacob  Baulus,  Daniel  Try- 
er,  Henry  Kumler  and  Joseph  Hoffman,  the  latter 
being  elected  from  the  Maryland  District,  was  by 
sickness  detained  in  the  City  of  Baltimore,  at  the 
time  of  the  session. 

Of  these,  Jacob  Baulus  is  the  oldest, having  pass- 
ed his  four-score  years.  Bro.  Baulus  was  born  in 
Frederick  county,  Maryland,  — experienced  religion 
in  his  youth,  at  the-  age  of  eighteen.  As  a  preach- 
er of  the  gospel,  he  was  highly  distinguished  for  an 
exemplary  and  pious  life ;  in  mind,  clear-sighted, 
comprehensive  and  correct.     He  was  a  near  friend 


192  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

to  Otterbein  and  Guething ;  his  preaching  proved  a 
blessing  to  many  —  he  possessed  the  graces  which 
could  subdue  the  perverse,  and  unlock  the  tender 
passions  of  the  human  heart,  by  presenting  gospel 
truths  in  their  own  pure  style.  To  quote  an  Apos- 
trophe: 

"Could  all  like  him  the  sacred  gospel  preach, 
And  heavenly  truths  in  heavenly  language  teach." 

In  the  year  1822,  Bro.  Baulus  removed  with  his 
family  from  the  State  of  Maryland,  to  Lower  San- 
dusky, in  the  State  of  Ohio,  where  he  was  the  first 
preacher  to  raise  the  gospel  standard  among  the 
few  w7hite  inhabitants  then  living  at  that  place,  and 
while  the  aboriginal  race  had  yet  full  possession, 
east  and  west,  of  the  Sandusky  river. 

The  moral  and  religious  influence  of  the  Bauluses 
has  been  seen  and  felt  progressively,  the  sum  and  ex- 
tent of  which,  can  only  be  known  in  the  great  day. 
We  see  him  who  has  been  a  pillar  in  the  Church,  a 
leader,  and  for  half  a  century  in  the  front  of  the 
flock  —  now  left  in  the  rear.  He  might,  but  in  a 
much  higher  sense,  say  with  Jacob  of  old,  "  my 
company  before  is  gone"  For  the  last  four  years  he 
has  been  made  to  suffer  under  successive  paralytic 
affections,  the  effects  of  which,  have  left  him  little 
more  than  life.  Religion  is  his  solace  and  chief 
support  in  the  solitude  to  wThichby  reason  of  age, 
bodily  infirmity  and  severe  indisposition,  he  has 
been  reduced;  yet  we  see  him  joyful  in  hope,  pa- 
tiently awaiting  from  morning  till  evening,  and  from 
evening  till  morning,  his  Master's  call. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  193 

Daniel  Tryer,  a  name  known  for  many  years,  but 
our  sphere  of  action  having  been  wide  apart,  we 
have  not  had  the  opportunity  to  become  personally 
acquainted  with  him,  if  we  except  the  General  Con- 
ference in  1815,  when  he  made  the  most  favorable 
impression  on  our  mind,  the  traces  of  which  time 
has  not  been  able  to  efface.  The  writer  has  sought 
to  obtain  some  account  of  Bro.  Tryer's  life,  and  la- 
bors in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord,  but  none  has  been 
received,  and  in  the  absence  of  a  general  or  partic- 
ular knowledge  of  him  personally,  we  are  unable  to 
supply  the  deficiency  in  this  place. 


Henry  Kumler  Sr.,  another  surviving  member  of 
the  General  Conference  of  1815,  formerly  from  near 
Greencastle  Pa.,  but  for  many  years  a  resident  of 
Butler  county,  Ohio.  Elected  Bishop  in  1825,  and 
re-elected  the  four  succeeding  General  Conferences, 
or  until  the  sitting  of  the  General  Conference  which 
met  in  Circleville,  1845,  when  age  and  infirmity  pre- 
vented his  being  continued  in  that  office. 

No  better  praise  nor  historic  record  of  the  able 
ministry  of  Bro.  Kumler,  can  be  traced  here,  than 
his  being  so  often  re-elected  to  the  office  of  a  Bishop, 
and  we  believe  as  often  without  a  dissenting  voice. 
Much  might  justly  be  written  of  the  perseverance, 
the  love,  the  patience,  and  more  than  ordinary  hospi- 
tality of  Bro.  H.  Kumler;  but  in  speaking  of  those 
living  brethren,  we  would  prefer  to  speak  with  deli- 
cacy   and   reserve  of   their  ministerial     character, 


194  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

general   usefulness,  and  abilities  as  Elders   in   the 
Church  of  Christ. 


Joseph  Hoffman,  the  last,  but  not  the  least  name 
on  our  list,  was  born  on  the  19th  of  March,  1780, 
Cumberland  county,  Pa..  Embraced  religion  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one.  Obtained  license  to  preach 
1803.  Became  an  itinerant  preacher  the  year  fol- 
lowing. Virginia,  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania, 
were  alternately  his  fields  of  labor.  In  Bro.  Hoff- 
man the  itinerant  preacher  was  fully  exemplified,  — 
in  labors  abundant  even  to  excess.  An  originality 
and  inspired  power  characterized  his  preaching  in 
a  peculiar  manner,  —  sinners  wept  —  believers  re- 
joiced. This  joy  in  the  gospel  harvest,  was  never- 
theless balanced  by  the  burden,  the  heat,  the  sweat 
and  fatigue,  which  like  so  many  ministering  angels, 
waited  on  the  intinerant  preacher  whether  soever  he 
went,  and  Joseph  Hoffman  enjoyed  the  benefit  of 
their  constant  attendance  from  1804,  to  the  year 
1812,  when  and  within  a  month  of  the  Annual  Con- 
ference, the  writer  met  him  on  his  circuit  at  C.  Her- 
shey's,  Lancaster  county,  Pa.,  where  some  six  or 
seven  months  previous,  in  a  calm  atmosphere, 
the  sound  of  Hoffman's  voice  had  been  distinctly 
heard  a  mile  from  the  house  he  preached  at ;  and 
yet  that  voice  was  not  strained,  but  flowed  in  unison 
with  the  grandeur  of  the  gospel  theme.  But  on  the 
present  occasion,  he  arose  slowly  as  one  borne  down 
by  some  unseen  weight,  and  in  his  effort  to  speak, 
that  strong  voice    was  reduced  to  a  faintness,  the 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  195 

book  trembled  in  his  hands;  this  sight,  and  the  few 
words  which  he  attempted  to  say,  moved  the  audi- 
ence to  the  strongest  sympathy;  they  knew  the  cause, 
and  felt  the  more  sensibly  affected.  To  human  ap- 
pearance, his  health  and  strength  were  gone.  From 
this  debilitated  state  he  recovered  in  a  good  degree, 
and  in  1814,  was  appointed  by  Annual  Conference 
to  take  charge  of  the  Otterbein  Church  in  Baltimore; 
chosen  a  delegate  to  General  Conference  in  1815 
—  remained  in  Baltimore  till  1817  —  removed  with 
his  family  to  Fairfield  county,  in  the  State  of  Ohio, 
in  1818  —  was  elected  Bishop  in  connection  with  C» 
Newcomer,  1821,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  a 
Bishop  in  the  Church,  with  distinguished  ability  to 
the  sitting  of  General  Conference,  1825,  when  he 
retired  with  honor  from  the  itinerancy. 


It  is  just  to  remark,  that  these  pages,  embracing 
as  they  do,  near  a  century,  should  be  received  rather 
as  a  text  book,  than  a  commentary  on  the  subject 
treated  of,  leaving  the  candid  reader  room  for  reflec- 
tions, enlightened  by  a  sound  and  unbiased  judg- 
ment. 

It  is,  as  will  have  been  perceived,  but  an  epitome 
of  the  progress  of  a  single  Church,  rising  up  into 
being,  nurtured  by  no  artificial  stimulants,  but  left 
to  mature  under  all  the  changes  and  vicissitudes  of 
her  own  seasons,  seeking  to  draw  her  resources 
from  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  with  no  intrusion  on 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  other  Churches.  In 
any   allusion  which  may   have  been  made  to  them 


196  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

it  has  only  been  done  to  set  forth  the  character  and 
work  of  the  United  Brethren   Church. 

With  this  distinguishing  defFerence  and  respect, 
which  Protestant  Churches  merit  at  our  hands,  and 
have  a  right  justly  to  claim,  they  on  their  part, 
will  unite  with  the  author,  in  the  remark,  that  the 
rise  and  progress  of  the  Brethren  Church,  has  been 
marked  with  a  distinctive  character  of  love  and  good 
will  to  existing  denominations.  Proselytism  has 
been  strictly  guarded  against,  and  scrupulously 
avoided.  No  instance  known,  has  yet  occurred, 
when  or  where  she  attempted  to  profit  by  the  dis- 
sensions unhappily  springing  up,  either  to  the  right, 
or  to  the  left.  And  to  her  it  is  a  subject  of  profound 
gratitude  to  the  Aliwise  Disposer  of  events,  that 
she  as  a  Church,  has  never  yet  been  guilty  of  schism 
in  her  sphere  of  action.  With  equal  firmness,  and 
in  view  of  that  love  which  never  faileth,  the  spirit  of 
sectarianism  has  not  been  able  to  cast  its  blighting 
shadow  across  her  path. 

As  a  Church,  may  she  by  good  works,  and  in  the 
possession  of  her  first  love,  be  continued  in  the  en- 
joyment of  the  favor  of  God;  and  as  she  has  begun 
to  arise  and  shine,  may  she  as  a  Church,  be  girded 
with  strength,  and  strive,  in  the  unity  of  the  spirit  of 
meekness  and  pure  love,  that  her  eye  be  single  before 
God,  so  that  her  whole  body  be  also  full  of  light. 


1833  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  197 

CONFESSION  OF  FAITH. 

In  the  name  of  God  we  declare  and  confess  before 
all  men,  that  we  believe  in  the  only  true  God,  the 
Father,  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  these 
three  are  One,  the  Father  in  the  Son,  the  Son  in  the 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  equal  in  essence  or  being 
with  both  ;  that  this  Triune  God  created  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  visible  as  well 
as  invisible,  and  furthermore  sustains,  governs,  pro- 
tects and  supports  the  same. 

We  believe  in  Jesus  Christ ;  that  He  is  very  God 
and  man ;  that  he  became  incarnate  by  the  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  virgin  Mary,  and  was  born 
of  her  ;  that  he  is  the  Saviour  and  Mediator  of  the 
whole  human  race,  if  they  with  full  faith  in  him, 
accept  the  grace  proffered  in  Jesus  ;  that  this  Jesus 
suffered  and  died  on  the  cross  for  us,  was  buried, 
arose  again  on  the  third  day,  ascended  into 
heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God,  to  in- 
tercede for  us  ;  and  that  he  shall  come  again  at  the 
last  day,  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

We  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  he  is  equal 
in  being  with  the  Father  and  the  Son,  and  that  he 
comforts  the  faithful  and  guides  them  into  all  truth. 

We  believe  in  a  Holy  Christian  Church,  the  com- 
munion of  saints,  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  and 
life  everlasting. 

We  believe  that  the  Holy  Bible,  Old  and  New 
Testament,  is  the  word  of  God ;  that  it  contains  the 
only  true  way  to  our  salvation;  that  every  true 
christian  is  bound  to  acknowledge  and  receive  it  with 


198  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 

the  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  as  the  only  rule 
and  guide ;  and  that  without  faith  in  Jesusv  Christ, 
true  repentance,  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  following 
after  Christ,  no  one  can  be  a  true  christian: 

We  also  believe  that  what  is  contained  in  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  to  wit:  the  fall  in  Adam  and  re- 
demption through  Jesus  Christ,  shall  be  preached 
throughout  the  world. 

We  believe  that  the  ordinances,  namely:  baptism 
and  the  remembrance  of  the  sufferings  and  death  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  are  to  be  in  use,  and  practi- 
ced by  all  christian  societies  ;  and  that  it  is  incum- 
bent on  all  the  children  of  God,  particularly  to  prac- 
tice them  ;  but  the  manner  in  which,  ought  always 
to  be  left  to  the  judgment  and  understanding  of  ev- 
ery individual.  Also,  the  example  of  washing  feet, 
is  left  to  the  judgment  of  every  one,  to  practice  or 
not ;  but  it  is  not  becoming  for  any  of  our  preachers 
or  members  to  traduce  any  of  their  brethren  whose 
judgment  and  understanding  in  this  respect  is  dif- 
ferent from  their  own,  either  in  public  or  private. 
Whosoever  shall  make  himself  guilty  in  this  respect, 
shall  be  considered  a  traducer  of  his  brethren,  and 
shall  be  answerable  for  the  same. 

CONSTITUTION. 
We,  the  members  of  the  Church  of  the  UNITED 
BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST,  in  the  name  of  God, 
do,  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ, 
as  well  as  to  produce  and  secure  a  uniform  mode  of 
action,  in  faith  and  practice,  also  to  define  the  pow- 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  199 

ers  and  the  business  of  Quarterly,  Annual  and  Gen- 
eral Conferences,  as  recognized  by  this  Church, 
ordain  the  following  articles  of  CONSTITUTION. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Section.  1.  All  ecclesiastical  power  herein  gran- 
ted, to  make  or  repeal  any  rule  of  Discipline,  is  vested 
in  a  General  Conference,  which  shall  consist  of 
Elders,  elected  by  the  members  in  every  Conference 
District  throughout  the  Society  ;  provided  however, 
such  Elders  shall  have  stood  in  that  capacity  three 
years  in  the  Conference  District  to  which  they  be- 
long. 

Sec.  2.  General  Conference  is  to  be  held  every 
four  years ;  the  Bishops  to  be  considered  members, 
and  presiding  officers. 

Sec.  3.  Each  Annual  Conference  shall  place  be- 
fore the  society  the  names  of  all  the  Elders  eligible 
to  membership  in  the  General  Conference. 

ARTICLE  II. 

Section  1.  The  General  Conference  shall  define 
the  boundaries  of  the  Annual  Conferences. 

Sec  2.  The  General  Conference  shall  at  every 
session,  elect  Bishops  from  among  the  elders  through- 
out the  Church,  who  have  stood  six  years  in  that  ca- 
pacity. 

Sec  3.  The  business  of  each  Annual  Conference 
shall  be  done  strictly  according  to  Discipline ;  and 
any  Annual  Conference  acting  contrary  thereunto, 
shall,  by  impeachment,  be  tried  by  the  General  Con- 
ference. 


200  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 

Sec.  4.  No  rule  or  ordinance  shall  at  any  time 
be  passed,  to  change  or  do  away  the  Confession  of 
faith  as  it  now  stands,  nor  to  destroy  the  itinerant 
plan. 

Sec.  5.  There  shall  no  rule  be  adopted  that  will 
infringe  upon  the  rights  of  any  as  it  relates  to  the 
mode  of  baptism,  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  sup- 
per, or  the  washing  of  feet. 

Sec.  6.  There  shall  be  no  rule  made  that  will  de- 
prive local  preachers  of  their  votes  in  the  Annual 
Conferences  to  which  they  severally  belong. 

Sec.  7.  There  shall  be  no  connection  with  secret 
combinations,  nor  shall  involuntary  servitude  be 
tolerated  in  any  way. 

Sec.  8.     The  right  of  appeal  shall  be  inviolate. 

ARTICLE  III. 

The  right,  title,  interest,  and  claim  of  all  property, 
whether  consisting  in  lots  of  ground,  meeting  houses, 
legacies, bequests  or  donations  of  any  kind,  obtain- 
ed by  purchase  or  otherwise,  by  any  person  or  per- 
sons, for  the  use,  benefit,  and  behoof  of  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  is  hereby  fully  re- 
cognized and  held  to  be  the  property  of  the  Church 
aforesaid. 

ARTICLE  IY. 

There  shall  be  no  alteration  of  the  foregoing  Con- 
stitution, unless  by  request  of  two-thirds  of  the 
whole  society.  May  19,  1841, 

FINIS. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCH 


OF    THE 


UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST, 


BY 


WILLIAM  HANBY. 


FROM  THE  YEAR  1825,  TO  THE  YEAR  1850. 


"  I  will  sing  of  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  forever:  with  my  mouth 
will  I  make  known  thy  faithfulness  to  all  generations." 

[Psalms  lxxxix,  i. 


PART     SECOND. 


(Cittlralte,  dMjtn: 

PUBLISHED   AT   THE   CONFERENCE   OFFICE   OF   THE 
UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST. 


1851 


PREFACE  TO  PART  SECOND. 


It  is  with  no  small  degree  of  diffidence,  that  I  have 
attempted  to  carry  out,  and  bring  down  to  the  present 
time,  as  part  second  of  the  history  of  a  people  but 
little  known,  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  whom,  my 
very  worthy  brother  H.  G.  Spayth,has  given  a  faith- 
ful sketch  from  their  commencement  down  to  about 
the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  twenty- 
five. 

Nothing  but  a  desire  to  place  upon  record  for 
coming  generations,  the  doings  and  success  of  a 
people  whose  silent  efforts  under  God,  have  been 
working  a  heavenly  influence,  and  spreading  gospel 
holiness  through  extensive  portions  of  this  conti- 
nent, have  induced  me  to  the  undertaking.  This 
task  too,  was  the  more  difficult,  from  the  fact, 
that  for  many  years  the  Church  published  no  peri- 
odicals ;  and  her  general  policy  was  to  pass  silently 
along,  with  but  very  few  notes  by  the  way.  The 
materials  from  which  the  following  pages  are  com- 
piled, are  drawn  mainly,  from  Christian  Newcomer's 
journal,  Conference  journals,  the  Religious  Teles- 
cope, and  from   memory.     Having  had  a  regular 


204  PREFACE . 

connection,  as  a  minister,  with  the  Church  for  the 
last  twenty  years,  I  hope  I  have  been  able  to  chronicle 
many  valuable  items  from  actual  observation. 

The  history  for  the  last  twenty-five  years,  will 
present  the  Church  in  a  light,  and  under  circum- 
stances materially  differing  from  that  which  is  pre- 
sented in  the  preceding  part  of  this  work.  From 
the  first  organization,  down  to  about  1825,  the  la- 
bors of  the  Church  were  almost  exclusively  in  the 
German  language  —  consequently,  during  that  time, 
the  work  was  confined  to  German  settlements  main- 
ly. Since  the  time  above  specified,  the  German 
language,  in  many  places,  has  entirely  given  place 
to  the  English.  This  state  of  things  resulted  in 
great  neglect  of  the  German  interests  —  there  being 
many  American  and  European  Germans,  who  could 
not  understand  the  English  language.  It  also  re- 
sulted in  a  general  spread  of  the  work  in  English 
communities,  where  the  Brethren  Church  was  un- 
known before. 

It  is  not  because  of  any  high-sounding  titles  with- 
in the  pales,  nor  yet  because  of  the  miraculous 
deeds  of  Almighty  God,  through  her  instrumentality, 
beyond  what  is  promised  to  the  truly  devoted  every- 
where, that  an  attempt  is  made  to  write  out  a  history 
of  the  Brethren  Church.     To  the  former,  no  claims 


PREFACE.  205 

are  set  up ;  and  with  regard  to  the  latter,  our  peo- 
ple are  pleased  to  know,  and  humbled  at  the  thought, 
that  the  hand  of  God  has  gently,  quietly,  and  yet 
gloriously  marked  every  step  in  their  history.  To 
go  out  in  the  high-ways,  the  hedges  and  ditches, 
and  bring  in  the  poor,  the  maimed,  the  blind,  &c, 
has  thus  far,  been  the  appropriate  work  of  the 
Brethren.  Others  have  flocked  into  towns,  cities 
and  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  and  there  planted 
their  ebenezers,  while  our  appropriate  work,  under 
God,  has  been  to  hunt  up  the  scattered  ones  —  go 
into  dark  and  destitute  portions  of  the  country,  and 
there  preach  Christ  to  the  people.  Our  object  there- 
fore has  been,  to  faithfully  record  the  workings  of  a 
Divine  hand,  in  the  accomplishment  of  great  good 
through  weak  instrumentalities. 

That  the  blessings  of  the  great  giver  of  all  good, 
may  be  continued  towards  this  branch  of  the  Church, 
and  the  Israel  of  God  everywhere,  until  his  kingdom 
shall  spread  over  all  lands,  and  his  praises  be  car- 
rolled  by  every  tongue,  the  author  would  unite  in 
humble  supplications  with  all  the  sacramental  host 
of  God  on  earth.  W.  H, 

Circkville,  O.,  Feb.  21,  1851. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

Four  x^nnual  Conferences  at  this  date  —  their  boundaries  —  The 
session  of  each  given  —  English  preachers  —  Itinerancy  —  Be- 
nevolent Society  formed  —  Act  of  incorporation  of —  Confer- 
ences of  1826  —  WidowSnyder's  donation, 209 

CHAPTER  II. 

Annual  Conferences  of  1827  —  Low  salaries  —  Preachers  called  — 
Conferences  of  1828 —  Church  advancing  —  English  preachers 
uniting  in  the  work  —  Four  Annual  and  one  General  Confer- 
ence in  1829  —  Death  of  Steward,  Newcomer,  and  others  — 
Newcomer's  Journal, 219 

CHAPTER  III. 

Five  Conferences  in  1830  —  Their  names  heretofore  —  Preach- 
er's salary  — Six  Conferences  in  1831  —  Other  Churches  claim- 
ing the  use  of  our  meeting-houses  —  Six  Conferences  for  1832 
—  Death  of  Havens  and  Kenney  —  Asiatic  cholera —  Six  Con- 
ferences for  1833  —Also  1834, 227 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Printing  Establishment  —  Eight  Annual  Conferences  in  1835  — 
Interesting  revivals  — A  German  work  exclusively, 236 

CHAPTER  V. 

Eight  Conferences  in  1836  —  Interesting  revivals  east  and  west  — 
A  mission  in  Canada  —  Death  of  Benedum  and  others  —  Annual 
Conferences  of  1837  —  General  Conference  of  same  year  — 
Election  of  Bishops  —  Conversion  of  a  Jew, 245 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Conferences  of  1838 — Slavery  discussion  in  the  Telescope  — 
Home  Missionary  Societies  —  Death  of  Bishop  Heistand,  and 
Dewalt  Mechlin  —  Interesting  revivals — Church  organized  in 
Circleville  — Conferences  of  1839  —  Death  of  Andrew  Zeller, 
and  others  —  Charter  for  Printing  Establishment, 254 


CONTENTS.  207 

CHAPTER   VII. 

Conferences  of  1840  —  Great  revivals  —  Death  of  Brs.  Key,  Frey 
and  Light  —  Conferences  of  1841  —  General  Conference  — 
Salary  of  preachers  raised — Foreign  Missionary  Society  — 
Revivals, 264 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Conferences  of  1842  —  Revivals  —  Twelve  ministers  died  — 
Conferences  of  1843  —  Miller  excitement —  Two  ministers  died,  274 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Conferences  of  1844 — The  work  in  Iowa — Death  of  Neiding, 
Sutton,  Flickinger,  Bash  and  Bowers — Conferences  of  1845  — 
Death  of  Jesse  Wilson, 282 

CHAPTER  X. 

General  Conference  of  1845  — Four  Conferences  set  off —  Con- 
ferences of  1845  —  Revivals  —  Holiness, 290 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Conferences  of  1846  —  Otterbein  University  —  The  German 
Telescope  —  Great  Church  trial  in  Baltimore  —  An  anecdote, 
concerning  J.  Russel, 299 

CHAPTER   XII. 

Conferences  of  1847  — Opposition  to  Colleges  — Death  of  Smaltz 
and  Kramer — The  effects  of  the  Mexican  war — A  Church 
constituted  in  Philadelphia,  Pa., 312 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Conferences  of  1848  —  Death  of  W.  Hastings,  and  J.  Lehman  — 
Revivals  of  religion  —  City  of  Nauvoo  —  Opposition  from  se- 
cret combinations, 319 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Annual  Conferences  of  1849 — General  Conference  of  the  same 
year  —  Discussion  on  Slavery  —  Discussion  on  Secret  Socie- 
ties —  Election  of  Bishops  —  Conclusion, 328 


HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCH 


OF     T  II  E 


UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRIST 


CHAPTER  I. 


FROM  JANUARY  1825,  TO  JANUARY  1827. 


Four  Annual  Conferences  at  this  date  —  their  boundaries  —  The  ses- 
sion of  each  given  —  English  preachers  —  Itinerancy  —  Benevolent 
Society  formed —  Act  of  incorporation  of  —  Widow  Snyder's  do- 
nation. 

By  the  untiring  efforts  of  the  Rev.  H.  G.  Spayth, 
the  history  of  the  Brethren  Church,  is  fairly 
chronicled  down  to  the  General  Conference  of  1825. 
At  this  Conference,  there  was  a  new  Annual  Con- 
ference District  struck  ofF  from  the  Miami  Confer- 
ence, and  called,  "  the  Scioto  Annual  Conference," 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church.  It,  like  that  of  the 
Miami  and  Muskingum,  received  the  name  of  a 
river  running  through  the  territory  of  which  it  is 
composed. 

At  this  date,  the  Church  consisted  of  four  Annual 
Conferences,  to  wit:  The  Pennsylvania,  Miami, 
Muskingum  and  Scioto. 

209 


210  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1825 

The  Pennsylvania  Conference  embraced  the  States 
of  Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and  Virginia;  as  its 
Territory;  though  of  course,  this  vast  extent  of 
country  was  only  partially  occupied.  The  work,  at 
this  time,  had  already  spread  itself  into  the  counties 
of  Dauphin,  Lebanon,  Lancaster,  Westmoreland 
and  Washington  of  Pennsylvania;  Washington, 
Frederick  and  Baltimore,  of  Maryland,  and  some 
two  or  three  counties  in  Virginia.  This  Confer- 
ence was  founded  in  the  year  1789. 

The  Miami  Conference  being  the  next  oldest,  was 
constituted  in  1810,  and  then  embraced  all  the  ter- 
ritory North  West  of  the  Ohio  River.  It  is  now 
limited  to  the  Western  portion  of  the  State  of  Ohio, 
and  extending  into  Indiana. 

The  Muskingum  Conference  which  is  next  in  or- 
der, was  constituted  in  1817,  and  embraced  the  East- 
tern  and  Northern  portions  of  the  State  of  Ohio, 
and  two  counties  of  Western  Pennsylvania,  and  is 
bounded  on  the  West  by  the  Muskingum  River,  and 
a  line  running  North  West  from  Coshocton,  to  Lake 
Erie. 

The  Scioto  Conference,  but  newly  constituted,  as 
has  already  been  stated,  occupied  the  Middle  por- 
tions of  the  State,  so  far  as  Eastern  and  Western 
lines  are  concerned,  but  extended  to  the  Ohio  River 
on  the  South,  and  to  Lake  Erie  on  the  North. 

The  Pennsylvania  Conference  held  its  Annual 
Session  for  this  year,  at  Littlestown,  Adams  county, 
Pa.,  May  the  10th,  1825.  Bishop  Newcomer  presi- 
ded, assisted  by  John  Hildt.    There  were  twenty-nine 


1825  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  211 

members  present.  Eight  applicants  received,  to 
wit:  William  Rhinehart,  John  Zahn,  John  Hendricks, 
C.  Shopp,  John  Krack,  Jacob  Snyder,  Abram  Her- 
shey,  and  John  Fry.  The  preachers  were  stationed 
in  the  following  manner: 

Baltimore  Station —  Wm  Brown. 

Augusta  Circuit  —  Jacob  Daub. 

Shenandoah  Circuit  —  John  Zahn. 

Hagcrstown  Circuit  —  G.  Smith. 

York  Circuit  —  J.  Brown. 

Juniatta  Circuit — ■  C.Weist. 

Huntingdon  Circuit —  J.  Hendricks. 

Lancaster  Circuit  —  J.  Erb. 

No  P.  Elders  named. 

This  Conference  held  a  fall  session  this  same 
year,  which  commenced  November  17th,  in  Cham- 
bersburg,  Pa.  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kumler,  pre- 
sided. There  were  thirty-five  preachers  present, — 
six  applicants  received,  and  five  Presiding  Elders 
elected.  It  was  quite  common  in  the  early  days  of 
the  society,  to  have  a  Presiding  Elder  appointed  for 
every  one  or  two  circuits  ;  and  this  course  appeared 
the  more  necessary,  as  but  very  little  was  paid  for 
the  support  of  the  gospel;  Elders, therefore,  would 
take  small  appointments,  and  labor  free  of  charge, 
or  nearly  so. 

Muskingum  Conference  convened  in  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Westmoreland  county,  Pa.,  May  24th.  Bishop 
Newcomer  presided.  Seventeen  preachers  were 
present.  Abraham  Troxel  died  during  the  last 
year  —  a  preacher    for    forty   years ;    a  man    of 


212  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1825 

great  age  and  of  blessed  memory.  H.  G.  Spayth 
and  James  Johnston,  were  appointed  Presiding  El- 
ders for  four  years,  "  John  Cline  itinerant  preacher  fat 
the  whole  district." 

The  next  in  order  was  the  General  Conference 
which  was  held  near  what  is  now  called  Canal  Do- 
ver, Tuscarawas  county,  O.,  commencing  June  7th, 
of  which  a  full  account  is  given  in  part  first  of  this 
work. 

The  Scioto  Conference  held  its  first  session  at  the 
house  of  George  Graul,  commencing  June  the  16th, 
1825.  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kumier  presided. 
At  this  Conference  measures  were  taken  to  organ- 
ize a  Benevolent  Society  in  the  West,  similar  to  one 
which  had  been  incorporated  in  the  East  two  years 
previous,  of  which  more  will  be  said  hereafter. 

Miami  Conference  met  in  Miltonville,  Butler  coun- 
ty, O.,  August  8th.  Bishop  Kumier  presided  —  as- 
sisted by  J.  G.  Pfremer.  There  were  at  this  time, 
eight  circuits  embraced  in  this  Conference,  several 
of  which  were  in  the  State  of  Indiana,  and  have 
long  since  been  set  off  from  this  Conference. 

The  work,  about  this  time,  commenced  spreading 
into  English  communities,  several  English  preachers 
having  united  with  the  German  Brethren,  a  few  years 
previous,  especially  in  the  Scioto  Conference.  Na- 
thaniel Heavens,  J.  Coons,  William  Steward  and 
James  Kenney,  were  among  the  number  of  English 
preachers,  two  of  whose  names  are  found  upon  the 
minutes  of  the  General  Conference  of  1825,  and 
one   indeed,  N.  Havens,  was  a  member  of   General 


1826  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  213 

Conference  in  1821.  These  brethren  were  all  of 
them  itinerant  men,  and  continued  to  travel  until 
disabled  by  sickness  uor  removed  by  death  ;  one 
however,  J.  Coons  is  still  living. 

A  society  had  been  formed  east  of  the  mountains, 
for  the  relief  of  superannuated,  and  in  the  service  of 
the  Church,  worn  out  traveling  preachers,  their  wid- 
ows and  orphan  children  ;  and  a  deep  interest  had 
existed  in  the  minds  of  brethren  in  the  west,  in  be- 
half of  a  similar  organization.  Many  of  the  trav- 
eling preachers  were  poor  men,  and  some  with  large 
families,  and  very  small  salaries  ;  consequently  some 
such  relief  society  was  considered  very  desirable. 
Many  of  the  ministers  regarded  such  a  society  as  a 
staff  upon  which  to  lean,  to  some  extent  at  least,  in 
their  declining  days. 

On  the  4th  day  of  February,  1826,  a  Charter  was 
accordingly  obtained  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
of  Ohio,  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  desired  ob- 
ject. The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  Charter  ver- 
batim: 

AN  ACT 

Of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Ohio  to  incorporate  the  Benevolent 
Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ. 

Sec.  1 .  "  Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  State  of  Ohio,  that  Jos.  Hoffman,  Dewalt 
Mechlin,  Samuel  Heistand,  Lewis  Cramer,  Samuel 
Myers,  George  Benedum  and  John  Coons,  and  their 
successors  to  be  elected  agreeably  to  the  rules  and 
regulations  of  said  Society,  shall  be,  and  they  are 
hereby  declared  to  be  one  community  corporation 


214  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1826 

and  body  politic  by  the  name  of  "  The  Trustees  of 
the  Benevolent  Society  of  the  United  Brethren  in 
Christ,"  in  the  county  of  Fairfield  and  State  of 
Ohio  ;  and  by  the  same  shall  have  perpetual  succes- 
sion, and  be  able  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be 
impleaded,  answer  and  be  answered,  defend  and  be 
defended  in  any  court  of  law,  or  equity  in  this  State 
or  elsewhere  ;  and  to  make  and  have  a  common  seal, 
and  the  same  to  alter  or  renew  at  pleasure  ;  and  also 
to  ordain  and  establish  such  by-laws  and  ordinances 
as  to  them  shall  appear  necessary  for  regulating  the 
concerns  of  said  society  —  the  same  not  being  incon- 
sistent with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  this  State 
and  the  United  States. 

Sec.  2.  That  the  objects  of  said  corporation  are 
hereby  declared  to  be  the  raising  a  fund  by  dona- 
tions and  annual  subscriptions,  for  the  support  of 
traveling  superannuated  and  other  indigent  preach- 
ers of  said  society  ;  for  which  purposes  the  said 
society  shall  be  capable  in  law  at  all  times,  to  pur- 
chase, take,  have  and  hold  and  possess  to  them  and 
their  successors,  in  fee  simple  or  otherwise,  any 
lands  tenements,  annuities,  chatties  or  any  other 
property  by  the  bargain  and  sale,  gift,  grant,  demise 
or  bequests  of  any  person  or  persons,  body  politic, 
or  corporate  capable  in  law,  to  make  the  same  ;  and 
the  same  at  their  pleasure,  to  alien,  sell,  transfer  or 
lease  in  such  manner  as  they  may  judge  most  con- 
ducive to  the  benevolent  purposes  of  said  society  : 
Provided,  that  the  said  society  shall  not  at  any  time 


1826  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  215 

hold  real  personal  or  mixed   property  exceeding  in 
all,  the  yearly  income  of  five  thousand  dollars. 

Sec.  3.  That  all  acts  or  deeds  of  said  society,  shall 
be  signed  by  the  President  of  said  Trustees,  and  scal- 
ed with  their  corporate  seal,  and  all  deeds  made  by 
them  for  the  conveyance  of  lands  and  tenements  of 
the  society,  which  by  the  laws  of  this  State,  ought  to 
be  acknowledged  and  recorded,  shall  be  signed  and 
sealed  as  aforesaid,  and  shall  also  be  acknowledged 
by  the  President  of  said  Trustees,  and  recorded  ac- 
cording to  law  ;  and  all  acts  or  deeds  of  said  society 
so  authenticated,  shall  be  valid  and  efficient  in  law  ; 
Provided,  that  said  Trustees  shall  not  use  their  funds 
for  the  purpose  of  Banking,  or  for  any  other  pur- 
pose inconsistent  with  the  interest  and  meaning  of 
this  act." 

W.  W.  IRVIN, 

Speaker  House  Reps. 
ALLEN  TRIMBLE. 

Speaker  of  the  Senate. 

February  4th,  1826. 

The  Trustees  met  at  the  house  of  Wm.  Ambrose, 
in  Highland  county,  on  the  17th  day  of  May,  1826, 
and  were  organized  by  electing  Samuel  Myers  Pres- 
ident, and  Joseph  Heistand  Treasurer,  and  appoin- 
ted their  next  meeting  to  be  held  at  Joseph  Hoff- 
man's, Fairfield  county,  on  the  29th  of  September, 
following. 

On  the  29th  day  of  September,  the  Trustees   met 

Note. — A  similar  charter  was  obtained  for  the  Maryland  Society 
in  1823 


216  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1826 

in  Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  and  adopted  a  common 
constitution,  setting  forth  rules  and  regulations  by 
which  the  society  should  be  governed  in  future. 

The  constitution  provides,  that  any  person  who 
shall  pay  into  the  Treasury  of  the  society  sixty 
cents  annually,  shall  be  considered  a  member  for 
the  time  being ;  and  also  that  any  one  who  shall 
pay  ten  dollars,  shall  be  considered  a  member  for 
life,  without  any  further  contribution. 

Also;  that  the  capital  stock  raised  by  life  mem- 
bership, together  with  all  bequeaths  and  donations, 
save  the  sixty  cent  subscription,  be  kept  sacred, 
until  the  capital  stock  shall  amount  to  twenty  thou- 
sand dollars. 

The  proceeds  of  the  society,  were  to  be  paid  over 
to  the  Annual  Conferences,  after  deducting  expenses, 
to  be  appropriated  in  accordance  with  the  design 
as  expressed  in  the  charter.  The  Trustees  of  the 
society  to  be  appointed  every  four  years  by  the  Gen- 
eral Conference. 

Four  Annual  Conferences  were  held  in  the  year 
1826.  The  first  in  order  was  the  Pennsylvania, 
which  met  at  the  house  of  John  Shoop,  in  Cumber- 
land county,  Pa.,  April  3d.  Bishops  Newcomer 
and  Kumler  presided.  John  Neidig,  Samuel  Huber 
and  David  Baer,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 
Forty-two  preachers  were  present,  and  one  appli- 
cant received  on  probation. 

During  this  year  a  widowed  sister,  loved  of  the 
Lord  and  honored  by  the  Church,  departed  this  life. 
Prior  to  her  departure,  she  bequeathed  to  the  Penn- 


182G  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  217 

sylvania  Conference,  one  thousand  dollars,  the  prin- 
cipal to  be  kept  sacred,  and  the  interest  to  be  appli- 
ed annually  to  the  support  of  the  traveling  preach- 
ers. Long  will  sister  Snyder's  donation  be  remem- 
bered by  the  Church.  Truly,  she  being  dead,  yet 
speaketh.  We  hope  that  those  concerned,  will  take 
good  care  of  that  money,  that  it  may  assist  in  sup- 
porting the  gospel  for  ages  yet  to  come:  Amen. 

Muskingum  Conference  met  at  Jos.  Noftzgers, 
Harrison  county,  Ohio,  on  the  2d  day  of  May. 
Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided.  Nine 
preachers  only,  were  present.  Two  additional  Pre- 
siding Elders  were  elected,  to  wit:  John  Crum  and 
Henry  Erret. 

It  appears  from  the  minutes  of  this  Conference, 
that  there  were  but  two  regular  circuits  at  this  time 
in  the  entire  Conference,  to  wit:  Willscreek  and 
Wooster  circuits.  S.  C.  Briggs  was  placed  upon 
the  former,  and  James  Haskinson  upon  the  latter. 
Three  preachers  of  this  Conference  died  during  the 
last  year,  viz:  Abraham  Forney,  Peter  Weimer  and 
John  Sluts . 

With  regard  to  circuits  and  the  itinerancy,  it  is 
proper  to  remark,  that  at  this  time,  there  were  but 
few  who  gave  themselves  up  exclusively  to  travel- 
ing. All  were  itinerants  to  some  extent,  but  few, 
however,  were  exclusively  so.  The  most  general 
plan  of  operation,  was  to  have  a  certain  number  of 
appointments  arranged  into  circuits,  to  be  filled  by 
different  ones  as  circumstances  would  admit;   and 


218  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1826 

that  as  a  general   thing,  with  but  very  little,  if  any 
compensation 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  Win.  Ambrose's,  near 
Hillsborough,  O.,  on  the  16th  of  May.  Bishops  New- 
comer and  Kumler  presided  We  regret  that  the 
minutes  of  this  and  two  succeeding  sessions  of  this 
Conference,  are  not  in  our  possession. 

Miami  Conference  convened  at  Clear  Creek  meet- 
ing-house, Warren  county,  Ohio,  on  the  6th  day  of 
June,  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided. 
Thirty-nine  preachers  were  present.  At  this  Con- 
ference, a  resolution  of  disapprobation  was  passed 
against  any  of  its  members  meeting  in  Masonic 
Lodges.  Thirty-two  voted  for  the  resolution,  and 
seven  against  it;  also,  that  if  any  of  the  preachers 
now  belonging  to  Conference,  should  join  any  Ma- 
sonic fraternity,  that  they  thereby  expel  themselves 
from  the  Church.  John  Denham,  F.  Bonebrake 
and  Wm.  Ballard,  were  received  on  probation. 
Rev.  John  George  Pfremer  died  this  year ;  long  and 
favorably  known  among  the  brethren,  of  whom  a 
fair  account  is  given  in  part  first  of  this  work.  J. 
McNamer  and  J.  Mahan,  were  elected  Presiding  El- 
ders. Ten  circuits  were  embraced  in  the  work  at 
this  time. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  219 


CHAPTER  II. 


FROM  JANUARY  1827,  TO  JANUARY  1830. 


Annual  Conferences  of  1827  —  Low  salaries  —  preachers  called  — 
Conferences  of  1828 —  Church  advancing  —  English  preachers  uni- 
ting in  the  work  —  Four  Annual  and  one  General  Conference  in 
1829 —  death  of  Steward,  Newcomer,  and  others  —  Newcomer's 
Journal. 

Four  Annual  Conferences  convened  in  1827. 
The  first  was  the  Pennsylvania,  which  met  at  Spring- 
field, Cumberland  county,  Pa.,  on  the  3d  day  of 
April.  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided. 
Thirty-four  preachers  were  present.  John  Snyder, 
George  Guething  and  D.  Baer,  were  elected  Presi- 
ding Elders.  J.  Eckstine,  J.  Fluegel  and  George 
Hiskey,  were  received  on  probation.  Abraham 
Mayer  died  during  this  year,  aged  69  years. 

The  Muskingum  Conference  met  in  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Westmoreland  county,  Pa.,  April  18th.  Bishops 
Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided.  Three  ministers 
from  the  Methodist  E.  Church,  united  with  this  Con- 
ference. Daniel  Worman  and  Robert  McCray,  were 
ordained,  by  laying  on  of  hands.  The  traveling 
preachers  reported  the  following  sums  as  salaries 
received:  "  S.  C.  Briggs  received  $50,  J.Wilson 
$79,  and  John  Cram  $  18  ;  all  well  satisfied." 

From  the  above  quotation,  it  would  appear  that 
these  brethren  were  not  preaching  for  money  —  the 


220  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1827 

wonder,  however,  is,  how  they  could  possibly  live  on 
such  an  income.  Adam  Hetsler  came  to  this  Con- 
ference as  an  exhorter,  and  was  kindly  received,  and 
licensed  to  preach.  Thirty-two  preachers  belonged 
at  this  date.  Daniel  Worman  was  elected  Presiding 
Elder  for  the  Westmoreland  District. 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  Lewis  Cramer's,  in 
Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  on  the  first  day  of  May. 
Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided.  No  min- 
utes of  this  Conference,  as  has  been  intimated  here- 
tofore. Bishop  Newcomer  in  his  Journal,  speaking 
of  this  Conference,  says: 

"  On  the  evening  of  May  3d,  the  Conference  was 
brought  to  a  close:  bless  the  Lord  !  love  and  harmo- 
ny prevailed  among  the  brethren." 

Miami  Conference  convened  in  Corrydon,  Ind., 
on  the  22d  day  of  May.  Bishops  Newcomer  and 
Kumler  presided.  C.  Key;  John  Lopp,  Silas  Davis, 
Daniel  Kumler,  F.  Ken  oyer  and  John  Hoobler, 
were  received  on  probation.  Twelve  names  are 
found  upon  the  intinerant  list  this  year,  and  quite 
an  itinerant  spirit  manifested  —  the  work  was  spread- 
ing with  interest  Westward.  The  Conference  was 
divided  into  four  P.  Elder  Districts  ;  and  George 
Bonebrake,  John  McNamer,  Henry  Bonebrake  and 
George  Hoffman,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

By  reference  to  the  proceedings  of  this  Confer- 
ence, it  will  be  seen,  that  the  highest  salary  received 
during  the  last  jrear  by  any  one  man,  did  not  exceed 
seventy  dollars,  while  the  average  was  about  thirty 
a  piece.     The  whole  history  of  the  Brethren  Church 


1828  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  221 

shows  conclusively,  that  no  worldly  motive  could 
have  induced  men  to  leave  their  worldly  occupations, 
to  become  traveling  preachers.  The  "Wo  is  me 
if  I  preach  not,"  has  reached  the  heart  of  many  a 
pious  young  man,  and  drove  him  from  friends  and 
home,  to  hunt  up  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Is- 
rael :  without  even  a  staff  to  lean  upon,  save  the 
Saviour's  own  blessed  promise,  "  Lo  I  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world." 

Pour  Annual  Conferences  were  held  in  the  year 
1828,  as  usual.  The  first  in  the  order  of  time,  was 
the  Pennsylvania  Conference,  which  met  at  Union 
Church,  Middletown  Valley,  Maryland.  Bishops 
Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided.  Thirty-four 
preachers  were  present.  Eleven  applicants  receiv- 
ed, viz:  M.  Lawson,  F.  Gilbert,  Wm,  Hennier,  Wm. 
Sholte,  Jos.  Berger,  John  Dehoff,  H.  Huber,  R.  Cat- 
low,  James  Sutton,  Geo.  Gilbert  and  John  Smith. 
Christian  Ludwig  and  Philip  Zeigler,  departed  this 
life  during  the  past  year.  The  Conference  was  di- 
vided into  five  Presiding  Elder  Districts,  to  wit:  Vir- 
ginia, Hagerstown,  Carlisle,  Huntington  and  Lan- 
caster. Two  delegates  were  to  be  sent  from  each 
District  to  the  General  Conference  of  1829.  There 
were  nine  circuits  embraced  in  the  whole  work. 

Rev.  J.  Neidig  was  stationed  in  Baltimore,  Md. 

Muskingum  Conference  met  at  Broad  Run  Church, 
Tuscarawas  county,  Ohio,  on  the  22d  day  of  April. 
Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided.  D.  Wei- 
mer,  A.  Shilling,  Jacob  Crum  and  Moses  Herbert, 
were  received  on  probation.     We  find  the  following 


222  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1828 

record  upon  the  Journal  of  this  Conference,  which 
appears  to  make  a  general  sweep  of  the  itinerancy 
for  the  time  being:  "  The  two  former  circuit  preach- 
ers made  no  return  of  themselves  or  their  circuits  — 
had  been  under  charges,  and  were  silenced."  There 
were  four  circuits  in  the  Conference  at  this  time, 
and  supplied  in  the  following  manner: 

A.  Hetsler  and  Moses  Herbert  were  placed  joint- 
ly on  Wooster  and  New  Lisbon  circuits  ;  Henry 
Purdy  on  Willscreek,  and  Jacob  Winter  on  West- 
moreland circuit.  The  session  was  one  of  much 
religious  interest ;  and  notwithstanding  the  opposi- 
tion from  without,  and  some  discouragements  from 
within,  the  work  was  spreading  and  taking  root. 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  Peter  Meyers,  in  Fay- 
ette county,  Ohio,  commencing  May  the  6th.  Bish- 
ops Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided.  We  are  in- 
debted to  the  journal  of  Bishop  Newcomer,  for  the 
time  and  place  of  the  sitting  of  this  Conference. 
Next  year  we  shall  be  able  to  extract  from  the  reg- 
ular minutes. 

Miami  Conference  met  at  Milton ville,  Butler  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  May  20th.  Bishops  Newcomer  and  Kum- 
ler presided.  B.  Abbot,  John  McGinnis  and  David 
Kiser,  were  received  on  probation.  Rev.  J.  A.  Ball, 
in  consequence  of  having  united  with  a  Masonic 
fraternity,  was  declared  no  longer  a  member  of  the 
Conference,*  John  McNamer,  George  Bonebrake, 
J.  P.  Brown  and  John  Zellers,   elected  P.    Elders. 

*Bro.  Ball  has  long  since  ceased  to  be  an  adhering  mason,  and  is 
now  an  honored  minister  in  the  Church. 


1829  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  223 

Rev.  John  Denham  was  ordained  at  this  Conference, 
by  the  imposition  of  hands  by  the  Bishops. 

During  the  past  year,  so  far  as  we  have  the  means 
of  knowing,  the  Church  advanced  in  strength 
and  numbers.  The  Conferences  were  becoming 
more  systematic  in  their  proceedings  —  the  itine- 
rancy becoming  more  perfect  —  new  fields  of  labor 
added  to  the  number  already  cultivated ;  and  new 
laborers  employed  to  go  into  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord.  English  preachers  were  coming  into  the 
work  in  all  the  Western  Conferences  ;  and  indeed, 
a  new  epoch  begins  to  mark  the  history  of  the 
Brethren  Church. 

Four  Annual  Conferences,  and  one  General  Con- 
ference were  held  during  the  year  1829. 

Pennsylvania  Conference  met  at  Guethings  meet- 
ing house,  Washington  county,  Md.  Bishops  New- 
comer and  Kumler  presided.  Thirty-preachers  were 
present.  Eleven  applicants  received  into  the  min- 
istry. The  session  was  a  very  pleasant  and  harmo- 
nious one.  Ten  circuits  belonged  to  the  Conference 
at  this  time. 

Muskingum  Conference  met  at  George  Franks, 
on  the  28th  day  of  April.  Bishops  Newcomer  and 
Kumler  presided.  Fourteen  preachers  were  pres- 
ent. Thomas  Herbert,  Jonathan  Harrison,  Jacob 
Brill  and  Daniel  Matthews  were  received  on  proba- 
tion. Five  circuits  embraced  in  this  Conference 
this  year.  The  fifth  was  called  Sandusky  circuit. 
The  work  was  now  spreading  out  into  the  Sandusky 
countries.     We  find  the  name  of  Jacob  Baulus  upon 


224  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1829 

the  Conference  minutes  —  he  having  removed  to 
those  parts,  and  doubtless  had  already  raised  the 
standard  of  the  cross  in  the  North-western  woods 
of  Ohio.  Five  ministers  were  appointed  to  the  five 
circuits,  and  five  appointed  as  Presiding  Elders,  one 
for  each  circuit.  These  five  circuits  extended  from 
Mt.  Pleasant,  Pa.,  to  Lower  Sandusky,  Ohio  —  hence 
the  propriety  of  so  many  Presiding  Elders.  D. 
Worman  for  the  east,  J.  Hildt,  J.  Krumand  J.  Stam- 
bach  for  the  Middle  regions,  and  J.  Baulus  for  the 
Sandusky  —  were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

The  first  Friday  in  August  was  set  apart  as  a  day 
of  fasting  and  prayer. 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  Jacob  Arnold's,  Fair- 
field county,  Ohio,  on  the  11th  day  of  May.  Bish- 
ops Newcomer  and  Kumler  presided.  Twelve 
preachers  were  present.  Wm.  Hastings,  Wm.  Wil- 
liams, John  Clymer  and  E.  Vandemark,  were  re- 
ceived on  probation.  The  death  of  Wm.  Steward 
was  entered  upon  the  Conference  journal,  with  pain- 
ful emotions  in  consequence  of  the  removal  of  one 
so  useful  and  so  much  beloved.  Long  will  the 
name  of  Bro.  Steward  be  cherished  by  many  who 
still  live  in  the  bounds   of  the  Scioto    Conference. 

He  died  during  the  last  year,  very  suddenly,  and 
away  from  home.  James  Kinney  was  elected  Pre- 
siding Elder.  The  first  Friday  in  August  was  ap- 
pointed as  a  day  of  solemn  prayer  to  Almighty  God, 
for  the  prosperity  of  Zion. 

We  are  now  brought  in  the  thread  of  our  history 
to  the  fifth  General  Conference  of  the  United  Breth- 


1829  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  225 

ren  Church,  which  convened  at  Dewalt  Mechlin's, 
Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  on  the  15th  day  of  May, 
1829.  For  the  proceedings  of  which,  see  page  176, 
of  first  part,  by  H.  G.  Spayth. 

The  next  General  Conference  was  to  convene  at 
George  Dresbach's,  Pickaway  county,  on  the  second 
Tuesday  in  May  1833.  After  an  interesting  exhor- 
tation from  Bro.  Joseph  Hoffman ,  Conference  ad- 
journed. 

Miami  Conference  convened  in  Germantown  O., 
on  the  26th  day  of  May,  1829.  Bishops  Newcomer 
and  Kumler  presided.  Two  applicants  were  re- 
ceived. Five  brethren  were  set  apart  to  the  minis- 
try by  ordination. 

Though  Bishop  Newcomer  was  re-elected  to  the 
office  of  Bishop  at  the  General  Conference  of  this 
year,  (being  at  the  time  in  his  eighty-first  year,)  we 
have  traced  him  in  his  official  tour  to  the  West,  for 
the  last  time.  After  performing  a  journey  of  over 
fifteen  hundred  miles  on  horse  back,  traveling  forty, 
forty-five,  and  one  day  fifty-two  miles,  he  returned 
to  the  bosom  of  his  friends,  to  die  in  peace,  having 
borne  much  fruit,  and  been  honored  with  many  years. 
He  died  March  12th,  1830,  in  his  eighty-second  year. 
For  a  detailed  account  of  the  life,  labors  and  death 
of  this  great  man,  see  first  part,  page  177. 

We  have  one  further  remark  to  make  in  connec- 
tion with  the  labors  of  Bishop  Newcomer.  We 
allude  to  his  journal  —  a  work  written  by  himself, 
intended  doubtless,  for  his  own  benefit,  and  not  the 
public  eye      After  his  death,  it  was  translated   by 

16 


226  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1829 

J.  Hildt  and  published  by  Wm.  R.  Rhinehart. 
This  work  did  not  meet  with  a  very  general  saler 
and  was  consequently  cried  down  as  containing  no 
merit.  Some  called  it  a  mere  almanac,  because 
places,  dates,  &c,  were  all  regularly  recorded  — be- 
cause it  was  a  regular  journal,  intended  for  the  pri- 
vate use  of  the  Author,  and  had  received  but  very 
little,  if  any,  embellishment  from  the  translator. 
Now  we  have  but  to  say,  that  in  these,  (to  some,) 
the  objectionable  features  of  the  journal,  is  found  its 
greatest  value  to  the  Church.  True,  there  is  much 
repetition  on  its  pages,  and  this  is  also  true  of  the 
labors  of  that  good  man.  Thirty-eight  times  he 
crossed  the  Alleghenies,  could  anything  but  repeti- 
tion be  expected  ?  As  a  text  book,  pointing  out  as- 
it  does,  the  labors,  dates  and  incidents  of  a  long  and 
useful  life  of  an  eminent  man,  connected  with  the 
early  history  of  the  Church,  Newcomer's  Journal  is 
.  above  estimate  ;  and  is  worthy  an  honorable  place 
fin  the  library  of  every  true  friend  of  the  Church . 
We  would  not  be  deprived  of  its  contents. 


1830  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  227 


CHAPTER  III. 


FROM  JANUARY  1830,  TO  DECEMBER  1834. 


Five  Conferences  in  1830  — ■  Their  names  heretofore  —  Preacher's  sal 
ary —  Six  Conferences  in  1831  — ■  other  Churches  claiming  the  use  of 
our  meeting-houses —  Six  Conferences  for  1832  — Death  of  Havens 
and  Kenney  —  Asiatic  cholera  —  Six  Conferences  for  1833. 

Five  Annual  Conferences  were  held  this  year. 
The  first  was  the  Pennsylvania,  *  which  met  at 
Shopp's  Church,  Cumberland  county  Pa.,  on  the 
22d  day  of  March.  Bishop  Kumler  presided,  and  G. 
Guething  assisted.  Though  this  Conference  was 
divided  at  the  General  Conference  of  1829,  yet  the 
brethren  all  met  together  once  more,  doubtless  for 
the  purpose  of  more  effectually  carrying  but  the  de- 
cision of  said  General  Conference.  The  deaths  of 
Bishop  Newcomer  and  Christopher  Grosh,  were  en- 
tered upon  the  Journal. 

*  From  the  records  of  this  Conference,  and  from  the  proceedings  of 
the  General  Conference,  it  appears  that  this  Conference  for  many  years 
prior  to  this  date,  bore  the  name  of  "  Hagerstown  Conference"  instead 
of  Pennsylvania.  At  the  General  Conference  when  it  was  divided,  the 
Conference  now  known  as  the  Virginia,  retained  the  name  of 
Hagerstown  Conference,  and  the  new  Conference  now  known  as 
the  Pennsylvania  was  then  called  the  Harrisburg  Conference. 
In  the  proceedings  of  the  General  Conference  of  1833,  we  find  Ha- 
gerstown Conference  bearing  the  name  of  Virginia  Conference, and  the 
Harrisburg  changed  to  Pennsylvania  Conference.  Bro.  Spayth  having 
set  out  in  part  first  of  this  work,  with  the  names  as  now  applied  to 
these  Conferences,  we  have  for  the  sake  of  being  better  understood, 
pursued  the  same  course,  yet  it  appeared  necessary  to  make  this  expla- 
nation. 


228  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1830 

At  this  Conference  it  was  resolved  that  a  new 
protocol  be  purchased,  and  that  Wm.  Brown  trans- 
cribe the  proceedings  from  the  old,  into  the  new. 

Fifty  preachers  were  present,  and  seventeen  ab- 
sent. Total  number  of  members  belonging,  sixty- 
seven.  Ten  circuits  and  one  station  belonged  to 
the  whole  work,  prior  to  division  ;  nine  applicants 
were  received. 

Muskingum  Conference  met  at  Crooked  Run  M. 
House,  Tuscarawas  county,  Ohio,  on  the  13th  day 
of  April.  Bishop  Kumler  present,  John  Crum  was 
elected  assistant.  Twenty  preachers  were  present, 
and  twelve  absent —  total,  thirty-two.  There  were 
eight  itinerants,  and  four  circuits  reported  in  the  en- 
tire work,  as  follows:  Westmoreland,  Willscreek, 
Wooster  and  Sandusky.  Hence  it  would  appear, 
that  the  entire  Muskingum  Conference,  embracing 
as  it  then  did,  parts  of  the  Allegheny  and  Sandusky 
Conferences,  was  a  mere  string  of  appointments, 
extending  from  Mt.  Pleasant,  Pa.,  to  Lower  Sandus- 
ky, Ohio.  Twenty  years  ago,  the  Muskingum 
Conference  within  its  present  territory,  consisted  of 
two  circuits  only.  "  Truly,"  in  the  language  of 
Bishop  Newcomer,  "  God  has  enlarged  our  bor- 
ders."    It  now  numbers,  (1851,)  24  circuits. 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  P.  Cramer's,  Fairfield 
county  Ohio,  on  the  27th  day  of  April.  Bishop 
Kumler  presided,  assisted  by  Jos.  Hoffman.  Four- 
teen preachers  were  present,  and  four  absent —  to- 
tal, eighteen  members.  Six  circuits  were  embraced 
at  this  time.     E.  Vandemark,  Z.  Leatherwood,  Wm. 


1830  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  229 

Shanefelt  and  Jeremiah  Brown,  were  ordained. 
John  Russel  was  elected  Presiding  Elder  the  ensuing 
year.  The  first  Friday  in  August  was  set  apart  as 
a  day  of  prayer  and  thanksgiving  throughout  the 
Conference. 

During  the  last  year,  there  were  eight  traveling 
preachers  in  this  Conference,  and  the  highest  sala- 
ary  that  any  one  received,  was  fifty-eight  dollars  ; 
the  lowest  was  twelve  dollars  ! 

The  Miami  Conference  met  at  Clearcreek,  Meet- 
ing House,  the  second  Tuesday  in  May,  and  the 
Indiana  Conference  held  its  first  session  at  Cony  don , 
la.,  the  last  Tuesday  of  May.  Unfortunately  how- 
ever, we  are  not  favored  with  the  Minutes  of  either 
of  these  last  named  Conferences. 

Preachers.    Stations. 

Pennsylvania  Conference,    .. 67  11 

Muskingum           "      32  4 

Scioto                     "......, IS  6 

Miami                   "     (last  year,)  62  10 

Total 177  31 

Six  Conferences  were  held  in  the  year  1831.     The 

Pennsylvania  met  in  Cumberland  county,  Pa.,  on  the 

19th  of  April.     Henry  Kumler  presided  —  assisted 

by   E.    Boring.     Five    applicants     were    received. 

Thirty-two  preachers  were  present.     E.  Boring  and 

Wm.  Brown,  wereelected  P.  Elders. 

Muskingum  Conference  met  in  Mt.   Pleasant  Pa.. 

on  the  9th  day  of  May.     Bishop  Kumler  present. 

Alexander   Biddle  was   received   on  probation.     J. 


230  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH   OF  1831 

Hildt,  John  Bash,  Jacob  Stambach  and  Adam  Hets- 
ler,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders.  Jacob  Brill  was 
ordained.. 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  Otterbein  Church,  Perry 
county,  Ohio,  May  17th.  Bishop  Kumler  presided, 
J.  Russel  elected  assistant.  Nine  candidates  receiv- 
ed on  probation,  J.  Russel  elected  P.  Elder. 

Miami  Conference  met  in  Germantown,  Montgom- 
ery county,  Ohio,  on  the  26th  of  May.  Bishop 
Kumler  presided,  assisted  by  Jos.  Hoffman.  Four 
candidates  received  into  the  ministry  ;  and  one  or- 
dained. At  this  Conference,  there  appeared  a  ref- 
erence in  relation  to  some  trouble  which  existed 
concerning  the  meeting  house  in  Germantown. 
The  brethren  there,  as  they  have  ever  been  else- 
where, were  always  willing  to  accommodate  other 
denominations  with  the  use  of  their  Church  house, 
when  not  occupied  by  themselves.  Indeed,  in  some 
instances,  preachers  of  other  Churches  have  occu- 
pied our  houses  so  long  without  any  molestation, 
that  they  have  claimed  them  as  their  right,  and  in 
some  cases,  have  actually  turned  U  nited  Breth- 
ren oat  of  their  own  houses  on  class-meeting  and 
love-feast  occasions.  This  same  trouble  had  taken 
place  at  Germantown,  and  the  matter  was  referred 
to  Conference  for  adjustment.  The  Conference 
therefore  resolved  that  other  denominations  should 
have  the  use  of  said  house  only  when  not  occupied 
by  the  brethren ;  and  that  brethren  appointments 
should  always  have  the  preference. 

The  Virginia  and  Indiana  Conferences  both   met 


1832  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  231 

this  year,  though  we  have  not  the  minutes.  We  have 
been  to  much  trouble  to  collect  all  the  minutes  of 
the  different  Conferences,  but  have  failed  in  some 
instances. 

Six  Annual  Conferences  were  held  in  1832.  Pa. 
Conference  met  at  H.  Herr's,  near  Harrisburg,  Pa., 
on  the  17th  day  of  April.  Henry  Kumler  presiding 
Bishop,  and  Wm.  Brown  assistant.  Thirty-four 
preachers  were  present ;  six  applicants  received. 
E.  Boring  and  Wm.  Brown  elected  Presiding  El- 
ders. 

Muskingum  Conference  met  in  Connotton,  Har- 
rison county,  Ohio,  on  the  10th  day  of  May.  Bish- 
op Kumler  presided.  Twenty-two  preachers  were 
in  attendance ;  and  six  applicants  received.  The 
policy  of  this  Conference  was  materially  changed 
fchis  year.  There  was  but  one  Presiding  Elder  elect- 
ed, to  travel  over  all  the  work,  and  he  became  fully 
an  itinerant  man.  A  Hetsler  was  elected  to  that 
office. 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  Goe.  Grauls,  Fairfield 
county,  Ohio,  on  the  21st  day  of  May.  Bishop 
Kumler  presided,  J.  Russel  elected  to  assist.  Thir- 
ty preachers  were  present,  and  five  received  on  pro- 
bation.    J.  Russel  elected  Presiding  Elder. 

A  heavy  affliction  befell  this  Conference,  during 
the  last  year,  in  the  death  of  Nathaniel  Havens  and 
James  Kenney.  Very  extensive  revivals  had  taken 
place  under  their  labors — scores  of  persons  had 
embraced  religion  through  their  instrumentality,  but 
a  year  or  two   previous  ;  and  now  to  be   suddenly 


232  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1832 

and  unexpectedly  deprived  of  their  labors,  was  a 
great  trial  to  many.  True,  father  Havens  was 
pretty  well  on  in  years,  and  could  not  expect  to  live 
long,  but  brother  Kenney  was  cut  down  at  noon- 
day, while  eminently  useful.  A  writer  speaks  of 
James  Kenney  as  follows: 

"  In  brother  Kenney,  were  united  clearness  of  in- 
tellect, quickness  of  perception  and  suavity  of  man- 
ners. I  remember  the  last  time  he  ascended  the 
pulpit,  when  he  raised  his  withered  hands  in  prayer^ 
and  turned  his  pale  face  towards  the  Majesty  on  high, 
it  seemed  as  though  his  sainted  spirit  was  stealing 
away  from  his  bosom,  and  ascending  with  his  trem- 
bling breath,  to  the  heavenly  mansions  above."  He 
died  February  15th,  1832  ;    aged  thirty-two  years. 

The  age  of  father  Havens,  or  the  precise  time 
of  his  death,  is  unknown  to  the  author ;  yet  the 
effects  of  his  labors,  are  still  on  the  earth.  A  son 
of  his,  John  Havens,  is  a  preacher  in  the  M.  E. 
Church. 

Miami  Conference  met  at  Miltonville,  Butler 
county,  Ohio,  on  the  2&th  day  of  May.  Jos.  Hoff- 
man was  elected  Bishop  pro  tern.  Henry  Kumler 
Bishop,  being  absent.  Twenty-seven  preachers 
were  present.  J.  Antrim  and  John  Fetterhoff,  were 
elected  Presiding  Elders.  Of  the  Virginia  and  In- 
diana Conferences,  we  have  no  minutes. 

During  this  year,  there  was  great  excitement  irs 
the  Church  and  the  nation.  The  Asiatic  cholera 
spread  over  the  land,  spreading  death  and  de- 
vastation  all  around.     The  consequence  was,  that 


1833  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  233 

many  became  alarmed  in  view  of  their  future  state, 
and  flocked  to  the  church  for  shelter,  which  concern 
unfortunately  for  them,  only  lasted  while  the  plague 
continued.  True,  there  were  many  honorable  ex 
ceptions,  yet  a  vast  number  were  short-lived  chris- 
tians. 

Six  Annual,  and  one  General  Conference  were 
held  during  the  year  1833. 

Pennsylvania  met  in  Millerstown,  Lebanon  coun- 
ty, Pa.,  on  the  9th  day  of  April.  H.  Kumler  Bish- 
op, presided,  and  William  Brown  assisted.  Twen- 
ty-nine preachers  were  present.  Eight  applicants 
received  on  probation.  In  the  Minutes  of  this  Con- 
ference, we  find  the  Westmoreland  circuit  in  West- 
ern Pennsylvania,  attached  to  Pennsylvania  Con- 
ference,— hitherto  it  had  belonged  to  thetMuskingum, 

The  Muskingum  Conference  met  in  Tuscarawas 
county,  Ohio,  on  the  2d  of  May.  Bishop  Kumler 
presided,  assisted  by  John  Hildt.  Twenty-three 
preachers  present.  The  4th  of  July  was  appointed 
as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  Two  applicants 
were  received  into  the  ministry.  Adam  Hetsler 
was  elected  P.  Elder. 

Scioto  Conference  convened  in  Fail-field  county. 
Ohio,  May  9th.  Bishop  Kumler  presided,  assisted 
byJ.Russel.  Thirty  preachers  were  present.  Thir- 
teen received  on  probation,  J.  Russel  elected  Presid- 
ing Elder. 

On  the  14th  day  of  May,  the  General  Conference 
met  at  Dresbach's   Church,  Pickaway  county,  Ohio 


234  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1834 

For  full  particulars  of  this  Conference,  see  part  first, 
page  181. 

The  Miami  Conference  met  in  Germantown,  Mont- 
gomery county,  Ohio,  on  the  28th  day  of  May. 
Bishop  Kumler  and  Brown  *  presided.  Forty-six 
preachers  present.  Frederick  Bonebrake  and  Hen- 
ry Kumler  jr.,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders.  Five 
applicants  received.  No  minutes  of  the  Virginia 
and  Indiana  Conferences. 

Seven  Conferences  met  in  1834  to  wit:  Virginia, 
Pennsylvania,  Muskingum,  Scioto,  Sandusky,  Miami 
and  Indiana.     No  Minutes  of  the  Virginia. 

The  Pennsylvania  Conference  met  in  Greencastle, 
Franklin  county,  Pa.,  on  the  8th  day  of  April: 
Bishop  Brown  presided,  J.  Erb  elected  chairman. 
Twenty-two  members  present ;  seven  applicants  re- 
ceived; J.  Erb,  Jacob  Niman  and  D.  Runk,  elected 
Presiding  Elders, 

Muskingum  Conference  met  at  Connotton,  Harri- 
son county,  0.,May  5th:  Bishops  Brown  and  Heis- 
tand presided.  Fifteen  members  present —  nine 
absent.  J.  Bash,  H.  Shambach  and  T.  Chaney, 
were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

Scioto  Conference  met  in  Otterbein  Chapel,  Per- 
ry county  Ohio,  May  20th.  Bishops  Kumler  and 
Heistand  presided.  Twenty-six  preachers  present 
—  seven  applicants  received:  Wm.  Hanby  elected 
Presiding   Elder. 

Miami    Conference  met  in    Bonebrake' s   Church, 

*  H.  Kumler,  Win.  Brown  and  Samuel  Heistand,  elected  Bishops 
at  the  late  G.  Conference. 


1834  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  235 

Preble  county,  Ohio,  May  28th.  Bishop  Kumler 
presided,  assisted  by  J.  McNamer. 

Each  preacher  in  charge  was  to  act  as  Presiding 
Elder  during  the  coming  year,  by  resolution  of  this 
Conference. 

Of  the  Indiana  and  Sandusky  Conferences,  we 
have  no   Minutes   for   this   year, 


236  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER  IV. 


FROM  DECEMBER  1834,  TO  JANUARY  1836. 


Printing    Establishment  —  Eight  Annual  Conferences  in  1835 — In- 
teresting revivals  —  A  German  work  exclusively. 

For  many  years  the  brethren  felt  deeply  the  ne- 
cessity of  having  a  Printing  Establishment  of  their 
own,  and  of  circulating  a  religious  periodical  among 
themselves  and  others.  Many  plans  were  talked  of 
at  different  times,  and  as  the  Church  advanced  in 
numbers,  and  influence,  the  want  of  something  of  the 
kind,  was  the  more  deeply  felt ;  consequently,  at  the 
General  Conference  held  in  May,  1833,  three  Trus- 
tees were  appointed  to  circulate  subscriptions  in  the 
different  Annual  Conferences,  one  for  the  purpose 
of  securing  donations  for  buying  a  building,  press 
materials,  &c,  necessary  for  starting  a  printing  of- 
fice ;  and  the  other  to  procure  subscribers  to  a  Peri- 
odical. Said  Establishment  to  be  located  in  Circle- 
ville,  Ohio.  George  Dresbach,  Jonathan  Dresbach 
and  John  Russel,  were  appointed  said  Trustees. 

On  the  12th  of  April,  1834,  the  Trustees  bought 
at  public  sale,  in  the  Town  of  Circleville,  a  printing 
press,  together  with  type,  cases  and  other  apparatus, 
for  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  fifty-five  dollars  ; 
and  on  the  30th  day  of  May,  same  year,  they  bought 
a  lot  and  two  houses  in  Circleville  of  Z.  R.  Martin, 


1834  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  237 

Esq.,  for  which  they  paid  five-hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars. On  the  tenth  of  November  following,  they 
purchased  two  fonts  of  type,  from  William  R. 
Rhinehart,  for  which  they  agreed  to  pay  three  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  dollars;  and  on  the  31st  day 
of  December,  1834,  they  issued  the  first  number  of  a 
semi-monthly  paper,  at  $1,50  per  annum,  called 
"  The  Religious  Telescope  ; "  edited  by  William 
R.  Rhinehart.  Thus  with  a  debt  of  about  sixteen 
hundred  dollars  for  purchasing,  repairing  and  fitting 
up,  &c,  the  Telescope  commenced  its  career  with 
1,197  subscribers,  a  number  by  no  means  sufficient 
to  meet  the  expenses  of  those  times  of  inexperience 
on  the  part  of  our  people.  But  little  was  done  by 
way  of  donation  for  the  purchase  of  the  concern. 
The  subscription  very  light,  and  upon  the  credit  sys- 
tem at  that,  the  consequence  was,  that  the  office  be- 
came deeply  embarrassed. 

We  will  here  anticipate  the  chronological  course 
of  our  history  a  little,  and  trace  out  the  workings  of 
this  enterprise,  in  brief  detail  for  a  few  years. 

As  remarked  above,  the  first  year  there  were  1,197 
subscribers  on  books.  The  second  year  the  number 
was  reduced  to  856.  The  third  971;  the  fourth  year 
1,175.  The  fifth  and  sixth  years,  about  1,150  each. 
The"seventh  year,  1,450.  By  this  time  the  liabilities 
had  increased  to  about  six  thousand  dollars  ;  and  the 
fate  of  the  Telescope  was  very  doubtful.  Encoura- 
ged by  a  few  tried  friends,  the  Trustees  resolved  to 
struggle  on  a  little  longer. 

In  the  spring  of  1843,  the  number  of   subscribers 


238  HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF         J  835 

was  swelled  to  1,981,  showing  a  net  increase  of  479, 
during  the  preceding  year,  with  net  proceeds  above 
contingent  expenses  of  $660,00. 

In  May  1844,  we  have  a  report  of  2,998  subscri- 
bers, a  net  increase  of  1,017,  with  net  proceeds  of 
$1069,00.  By  this  time  hopes  were  largely  enter- 
tained of  the  final  success  of  the  enterprise. 

The  report  of  May  1845,  shows  a  subscription 
list  of  3,090  subscribers,  and  a  net  profit  of  $1206. 
This  brings  the  history  of  the  Telescope  up  to  the 
General  Conference  of  1845,  held  in  Circleville,  at 
which  time  the  writer  declined  serving  any  longer  as 
Editor,  and  D.  Edwards  was  duly  elected  to  take 
charge  of  the  Editorial  department ;  and  as  busi- 
ness was  increasing,  it  was  found  necessary  to  elect 
a  Publishing  Agent,  also ;  consequently  J.  Mark- 
wood  of  Virginia,  was  elected  said  Agent,  and 
upon  the  resignation  of  whom,  Nehemiah  Altman 
was  appointed  to  take  his  place. 

An  important  measure  was  also  adopted  at  this 
Conference,  i.  e.  all  subscribers  were  required  to 
pay  in  advance  for  their  papers.  This  measure 
worked  well.  The  next  annual  report  shows  a  net 
profit  above  contingent  expenses  of  about  $1500,00. 
The  following  year,  about  the  same  amount  of  net 
proceeds.  Though  the  number  of  subscribers  is  not 
found  in  either  of  the  reports  of  those  years. 

In  the  general  report  of  1849,  to  the  last  General 
Conference,  it  appears  that  the  liabilities  of  the  es- 
tablishment had  all  been  canceled,  and  the  concern 
doing    well.     At  the   present  time,   April  the    1st, 


1835  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    TN    CHRIST.  239 

1851,  there  are  about  5,400  subscribers  on  the  books. 

Having  thus  briefly  traced  the  movements  of  the 
Telescope  office  from  its  commencement,  until  the 
present  time,  we  shall  now  return  to  notice  the  pro- 
gress of  the  general  work  in  the  regular  order  of 
time. 

In  the  year  1835,  there  were  eight  Annual  Con- 
ferences held,  to  wit:  The  Virginia,  Pennsylvania, 
Muskingum,  Sandusky,  Scioto,  Miami,#Indiana  and 
Wabash. 

The  Virginia  Conference  convened  near  Mt. 
Jackson,  Shenandoah  county,  Va.,  on  the  18th  of 
March,  1835  W.  Brown  Bishop,  presided.  Twen- 
ty-four preachers  belonged  at  this  date.  No  mem- 
bership given  —  seven  circuits  belonged  to  the  work. 

The  Pennsylvania  Conference  met  same  month  at 
Shupp's  meeting  house,  day  of  month  not  given. 
Bishop  Brown  presided  at  this  Conference  ;  J.  Erb 
chairman.  Eighty-three  preachers  belonged  to  this 
Conference  at  that  date.  J.  Erb,  J.  Niman  and  J. 
Rider  were  elected  Presiding  Elders.  Eleven  cir- 
cuits. 

The  Muskingum  Conference  held  its  session  in 
Stark  county,  Ohio,  April  6th.  Bishop  Samuel  Heis- 
tand  presided ;  John  Hildt  chairman.  Twenty-two 
ministers  belonged  to  this  Conference.  John  Bash, 
Thomas  Chaney,  Henry  Stambaugh  and  Adam 
Hetsler,  were  appointed  to  take  an  oversight  as  Pre- 
siding Elders.     Four  circuits  at  this  time. 

The  Sandusky  Conference  held  its  session  in 
Crawford    county,  Ohio,  commencing  April   15th, 


240  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1835 

1835.  Bishop  Heistand  presided,  J.  Baulus  chair- 
man. There  were  twenty-five  members'  at  that 
time.  Jeremiah  Brown  elected  Presiding  Elder. 
Five  circuits. 

The  Scioto  Annual  Conference  held  its  session  at 
the  Dresbach  meeting  house,  Pickaway  county  O., 
commencing  the  5th  day  of  May.  Bishops  Kumler 
and  Heistand  presided.  Forty-three  members  be- 
longed at  that  date.  Wm.  Hanby  was  elected  P.  E. 
Eleven  circuits  and  missions. 

The  Miami  Conference  commenced  its  session  the 
15th  day  of  May,  in  Germantown,  Ohio.  Bishop 
Kumler  Sen.,  presided.  Forty-two  preachers  be- 
longed at  that  date.  John  Fetterhoff  was  elected 
Presiding  Elder.  The  work  consisted  of  four  cir- 
cuits only. 

The  Indiana  Conference  held  its  session  in  Corry- 
don,  Harrison  county,  la.,  commencing  the  1st  day 
of  September.  There  were  no  Bishops  at  this  Con- 
ference. Forty-one  preachers  belonged.  Eight 
circuits. 

The  Wabash  Conference  held  its  first  session  at 
Rawling's  meeting  house,  Park  county,  la.,  com- 
mencing September  the  15th.  Bishop  Brown  pre- 
sided, Wm.  Davis  chairman.  Thirteen  preachers 
belonged  to  the  new  work.  Six  circuits  were  embra- 
ced at  its  organization,  one  of  which  was  located  in 
the  State  of  Illinois,  called  Mackinaw  circuit.  J. 
T.  Timmons  was  appointed  to  this  circuit,  and  J. 
Denham  to   preside.     Five  circuits  were   embraced 


1835  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  241 

in  the  Wabash  district,  and  Wm.  Davis  elected  Pre- 
siding Elder. 

From  all  we  can  learn,  this  Conference  was  set 
off  from  the  Indiana  Annual  Conference  at  its  ses- 
sion the  year  previous,  by  mutual  consent,  their  be- 
ing no  discipline  at  that  time,  to  prevent  a  mutual 
separation,  and  as  the  work  was  spreading  very 
rapidly  towards  the  west,  the  measure  was  doubtless 
adopted  in  wisdom.  W.  Brown  and  John  Denham, 
with  several  other  brethren,  had  moved  to,  the  then, 
Western  frontier  of  Brethrenism. 

Preachers.    Circuits. 

Virginia  Conference, 24  7 

Pennsylvania  " 83  11 

Muskingum      " 22  4 

Sandusky          "  25  5 

Scioto               "  . 43  11 

Miami               "  42  4 

Indiana             "  41  8 

Wabash            "  13  6 

Total   293  56 

Unfortunately  for  the  reader,  we  had  no  enumera- 
tion of  our  members  at  that  day.  For  reasons  sat- 
isfactory to  them,  they  were  opposed  to  numbering 
Israel. 

During  this  year,  there  were  some  interesting  re- 
vivals of  relig  on  in  various  portions  of  the  Church. 
In  the  vicinity  of  Lower  Sandusky,  Ohio,  a  great 
work  broke  out.  Jacob  Baulus,  one  among  the 
first  pioneers  of  Brethrenism  of  the   North   West, 

17 


242  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH   OF  1835 

in  adverting  to  the  occasion,  makes  the  following 
remarks  : 

"  Five  different  denominations  united  on  the  occa- 
sion, laying  aside  the  badges  of  party  distinction  — 
giving  no  room  to  prejudice,  but  confidently  with 
one  accord  appearing  before  the  shrine  of  mercy. 
The  ministers  arose  in  the  strength  of  Him  —  in 
whose  stead  they  sounded  the  trumpet  of  alarm 
from  the  walls  of  Zion ;  the  banner  of  divine  com- 
passion soon  waving  over  the  waiting  assembly ; 
accents  of  peace  were  felt  to  roll  from  the  sky." 

In  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  there  were  many  gra- 
cious out-pourings  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  One  instance 
is  given  in  the  following  language: 

u  An  acquaintance  of  mine  by  the  name  of  Abra- 
ham Herr,  in  Lancaster  county,  became  a  subject  of 
God's  renewing  grace.  Being  a  man  of  considerable 
wealth,  having  several  large  farms  to  cultivate,  and 
a  distillery  on  an  extensive  scale  in  operation ;  and 
seeing  the  sin  connected  with  the  distillation  and 
traffic  of  the  poison,  he  set  about  the  good  work  of 
converting  his  still-house  into  a  house  of  worship. 
Near  the  spot  where  the  kettles  stood,  he  has  a  pul- 
pit erected,  in  which  the  word  of  life  is  declared  to 
many  who  attend  the  meetings."  h.  h. 

In  the  Muskingum  Conference  there  has  been  a 
good  work.  A  brother  says,  that  the  circuit  which 
he  travels,  has  become  so  extensive,  that  he  feels 
himself  unable  to  attend  as  he  should,  every  part  of 
the  work. 

W.  B.  speaking  of  the  Wabash  Conference,  says: 


1835  tup:  united  brethren  in  christ.  243 

"  The  small  Conference  held  in  Indiana,  affords 
pleasing  intelligence,  that  rapid  accessions  are  mak- 
ing to  the  number  of  those  who  have  been  made 
free  unto  salvation.51 

Bro.  B.  says,  he  is  the  oldest  minister,  or  rather 
the  oldest  man  in  the  Conference,  and  that  it  proved 
to  be  one  of  the  best  he  ever  attended.  There  was 
also  a  good  work  in  western  Virginia,  this  year. 

At  this  time,  and  indeed  for  a  number  of  years 
back,  there  was  but  little  German  itinerant  preach- 
ing in  the  Brethren  Church,  except  in  Penn- 
sylvania. True,  there  were  a  few  preachers  in  the 
itinerant  ranks,  who  could  preach  both  German  and 
English:  but  as  most  of  their  congregations  consis- 
ted of  a  large  majority  of  English  hearers,  they  were 
ruled  by  that  majority  to  the  great  neglect  of  the 
minority.  There  were  also  a  few,  and  very  few  old 
German  ministers  in  the  West,  who  could  not  speak 
the  English  language  at  all.  These  men  could  not 
be  useful  as  itinerants,  because  of  the  mixed 
condition  of  the  societies  ;  and  very  unfortunately 
for  the  prosperity  of  the  Church,  the  idea  was  hard- 
ly conceived,  of  getting  up  separate  organizations 
of  German  circuits  as  well  as  English  This  course 
would  have  saved,  and  perpetuated  the  German  in- 
terests. 

During  this  year,  the  writer,  while  traveling  in  the 
southern  portion  of  Ohio,  attending  his  quarterly- 
meeting  appointments,  put  up  with  father  Slaugh- 
ter. In  the  course  of  the  evening,  the  old  gentle- 
man wished  to  know  if  we  had  any  German  preach- 


244  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1835 

ers  in  our  Church,  informing  me  at  the  same  time. 
that  a  large  number  of  Germans  from  the  old  coun 
try,  had  settled  near  him,  and  some  of  them  appear- 
ed to  be  quite  religious,  but  were  destitute  of  preach- 
ing. I  informed  him  that  we  had  some  German 
preachers,  and  that  I  would  bring  one  along  my  next 
round.  Accordingly  in  three  months,  Dewalt  Mech- 
lin and  myself,  accompanied  by  father  Slaughter, 
went  to  the  German  settlement.  Bro.  Mechlin  intro- 
duced himself  and  us  — neither  of  us  being  able  to 
speak  or  understand  the  German.  The  object 
of  his  visit  was  made  known,  and  we  all  met  with 
a  cordial  reception.  Brother  Mechlin  preached  for 
them  several  times,  with  much  interest,  and  left  ap- 
pointments for  a  second  visit ;  which  he  accordingly 
made,  in  company  with  Lewis  Cramer,  another  of 
the  German  fathers  of  the  Church.  They  preached 
with  much  success  ;  and  a  class  of  German  emi- 
grants exclusively,  was  formed.  Here  then,  from 
the  necessity  of  the  case,  efforts  in  the  German  lan- 
guage alone,  was  from  time  to  time  made  to  promote 
piety  —  the  people  being  able  to  understand  scarcely 
a  word  of  English.  This  class  became  the  nucleus, 
around  which  others  were  formed  of  German  emi- 
grants, also  ;  Finally,  a  German  mission  was  formed, 
which  resulted  in  the  formation  of  a  good  circuit ; 
and  hence  the  beginning  of  a  German  work,  in  a 
separate  sphere  of  action,  of  which  more  will  be 
said  in  its  proper  place. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  245 


CHAPTER  V. 


FROM  JANUARY  1836,  TO  JANUARY  1838. 


Eight  Conferences  in  1836 —  Interesting  revivals  east  and  west —  A 
mission  to  Canada  —  Death  of  Benedum  and  others  —  Annual  Con- 
ferences of  1837  —  General  Conference  of  same  year — Election 
of  Bishops — ■  Conversion  of  a  Jew. 

Eight  Conferences  were  held  this  year,  the  same 
as  last. 

The  Pennsylvania  Conference  commenced  its 
session  March  8th.  Bishop  Heistand  presided,  J. 
Erb,  chairman.  Eighty-seven  members  belonged 
to  this  Conference.  Twelve  charges  —  a  mission 
in  Canada  added.  J.  Light,  S.  Huber,  J  Winters, 
and  H.  Ow,  elected  Presiding  Elders.  Jacob  Erb 
sent  to  Canada.  P.  Harmon  returned  to  Baltimore. 
Five  preachers  were  received  on  trial  this  year. 

The  Virginia  Conference  convened  March  the 
1 9th.  Bishop  Heistand  presided.  H.  Burtner  chair- 
man. Twenty-six  members  —  eight  charges  —  Jack- 
son mission  added.  Brs.  J.  J.  Glossbrenner  and 
Jacob  Rhinehart,  Presiding  Elders.  Moses  Michael 
received  on  trial,  and  sent  to  Jackson  mission. 

Muskingum  Conference  convened  April  12th. 
Bishop  Heistand  presided,  J.  Hildt  to  assist.  Twen- 
ty-four members  of  Conference.  Four  received  on 
trial.     A.  Hetsler  Presiding  Elder. 


246  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1836 

Sandusky  Conference  met  April  26th.  Thirty 
members  —  six  circuits  —  one  added.  Four  preach- 
ers received  on  trial.  Jacob  Baulus  elected  Presiding 
Elder. 

Scioto  Conference  met  May  10th.  Brs.  S.  Heis- 
tand  and  H.  Kumler  Sen.,  Bishops,  were  both  pres- 
ent. Fifty-four  members  —  eleven  charges.  Four 
preachers  received  on  trial.  John  Coons  and  Wm. 
Hanby  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

Miami  Conference  met  May  24th.  Bishop  Kum- 
ler Sen.,  presided.  Jos.  Hoffman  assisted.  Forty- 
six  members  —  four  circuits.  Henry  Kumler  Jr., 
Presiding  Elder.     Two  received  on  trial. 

Indiana  Conference  metin  Abington,  la.,  Septem- 
ber 6th.  Bishops  Kumler  and  Heistand  were  both 
present.  Thirty-five  members  of  Conference  repor- 
ted —  seven  circuits.  F.  Whitcom,  T.  L.  Garrigus 
and  J.  Lopp  elected  Elders. 

Wabash  Conference  met  at  Bro.  Hoobler's,  date 
not  given.  Bishops  Kumler,  Heistand  and  Brown, 
all  present.  Twenty-one  members  reported  —  five 
circuits.  Josiah  Davis  and  John  Hoobler  elected 
Presiding  Elders. 

During  this  Conference  year,  there  were  some  in- 
teresting revivals  of  religion,  especially  in  the  West. 
E.  C.  Wright  writes  as  follows: 

"  Many  have  declared  that  they  were  tired  of  sin, 
and  the  service  of  the  devil ;  and  numbers  have 
witnessed  a  good  profession  before  many  witnesses  ; 
and  have  separated   themselves  from  the  world,  by 


1836  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  247 

giving  their  names  to  the  Church,  and  we  trust, 
their  hearts  to  God." 

Bro.  E.  Vandemark  of  Pickaway  circuit,  Ohio, 
speaks  of  a  good  work  near  Lancaster,  where  ma- 
ny found  redemption. 

On  Burlington  circuit,  in  Southern  Ohio,  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  members  were  added  to  the 
Church,  under  the  labors  of  P.  Brock. 

Jacob  Baulus,  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Sandusky 
Conference,  after  speaking  of  the  camp-meetings 
held  in  his  district,  and  of  the  gracious  results  fol- 
lowing, says: 

"  Fifteen  years  ago,  I  was  the  only  preacher  with- 
in the  bounds  of  this  Conference  district ;  now  there 
are  about  thirty  preachers.  I  know  the  time,"  he 
adds,  "  when  there  were  but  few  of  us.  The  first 
circuit  that  was  formed  in  the  Church,  it  took  Broth- 
er Newcomer  and  myself,  eight  days  only  to  go 
round.  Now  there  are  eight  Conferences,  and  how 
many  hundred  preachers,  I  cannot  tell.  My  elder 
brethren  are  gone,  and  I  shall  soon  be  with  them  — 
Farewell."* 

By  reference  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Conference  of  this  year,  it  will  be  seen,  that  J.  Erb 
was  sent  as  a  missionary  to  Canada.  He  went  and 
labored  during  the  year,  with  some  success  —  formed 
a  few  small  societies  ;  but  for  causes  unknown 
to  the  writer,  the  work  was  abandoned  the  following 

*  While  preparing  the  above  pages  for  the  press,  this  good  man  set 
sail  for  the  land  of  glory,  in  the  84th  year  of  his  age.  Fifty-six  years 
in  the  ministry.     He  died  April  20th,  1851.     A  truthful   "Farewell." 


248  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1837 

year.  No  effort  has  been  made  in  that  country  by 
the  Brethren,  since. 

January  1837.  During  this  year,  several  minis- 
ters departed  this  life.  Eight  Annual  and  one  Gen- 
eral Conference  were  held. 

George  Benedum  was  the  first  of  the  preachers 
who  died.  From  an  Editorial  of  the  Religious 
Telescope,  under  date  of  April  6th,  we  extract  the 
following  notice. 

"  Departed  this  life  at  his  residence  in  Fairfield 
county  Ohio,  March  31st,  1837,  George  Benedum, 
in  the  72d  year  of  his  age.  His  funeral  services 
were  attended  to  by  L.  Cramer  and  Wm.  Hanby. 

"  The  deceased  was  for  43  years,  an  esteemed 
minister  in  the  Brethren  Church  ;  during  which  time 
he  was  a  faithful  soldier  of  the  cross.  His  exit  was 
glorious  and  happy.  He  shone  like  a  light  in  a 
high  place,  that  burns  out  and  expires;  but  our  pleas- 
ing prospects  are  not  all  at  an  end,  for  he  was  cut 
down  like  a  tree  that  had  yielded  much  fruit,  and 
was  ladened  with  blossoms  when  it  fell." 

Father  Benedum  was  a  member  of  the  Scioto 
Conference. 

Peter  Whitezel  of  the  Virginia  Conference,  depar- 
ted this  life,  February  22d,  in  the  32d  year  of  his 
age.  He  traveled  four  years  a  faithful  minister 
of  Christ.  He  died,  in  great  peace,  leaving  a  young 
and  affectionate  family,  to  mourn  over  their  sad 
loss, 

The  Pennsylvania  Conference  met  March  6th. 
Bishop  Heistand  presided.     Ninety    preachers    be- 


1837  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    TN    CHRIST.  249 

longing  —  twelve  charges  — seven  candidates  ad- 
mitted on  trial.  J.  Light,  J.  Schnider,  S.  Hoover,  J. 
Reeder  and  H.  Ow,  elected  Presiding  Elder,  P.  Har- 
man  returned  to  Baltimore. 

Virginia  Conference  met  March  20th.  S.  Heis- 
tand  Bishop,  H.  Burtner  chairman.  Eight  charges. 
Jacob  Rhinehart  and  J.  Glossbrenner,  Presiding  El- 
ders. 

Muskingum  Conference  met  April  5th.  S.  Heis- 
tand  Presided.  Twenty-six  preachers  reported  — 
two  charges  added,  Canton  circuit  and  Ohio  mis- 
sion.    A.  Hetsler  Presiding  Elder. 

Sandusky  Confei'ence  met  April  11th.  S.  Heist- 
and  Presided,  J.  Baulus  to  assist.  Thirty-three  mem- 
bers of  Conference,  J.  Dorcas  Presiding  Elder. 

Scioto  Conference  met  April  21st.  S.  Heistand 
presided,  assisted  by  Wm.  Ambrose.  Fifty-seven 
ministers  belonging  —  eleven  circuits  —  one  Ger- 
man mission  added.  J.  Russel  and  J.  Coons, 
Presiding  Elders,  and  J.  DeWitt,  assistant  Presiding 
Elder. 

Miami  Conference  met  at  Miltonville,  May  2d. 
Henry  Kumler  Sen.,  and  S.  Heistand,  Bishops,  were 
both  present.  Five  applicants  for  license  to  preach. 
H.  Kumler  Jr.,  elected  Presiding  Elder. 

Wabash  Conference  met  September  14th.  Bishop 
Kumler  presided,  J.  Hoobler  assisted.  Rockville 
mission  added.     Two  applicants  received. 

Indiana  Conference  met  in  Decatur  county,  la., 
September  24th.  H.  Kumler  Sen.,  Bishop,  M.  Bot- 
tenburg  to  assist. 


250  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  183? 

On  the  9th  day  of  May,  (1837,)  the  General  Con- 
ference convened  in  Germantown,  Montgomery 
county,  Ohio.  An  interesting  address  was  delivered 
by  Bishop  Heistand,  in  which  he  gave  a  pretty  gen- 
eral detail  of  his  labors  during  the  preceding  four 
years.  The  members  were  next  called  and  exami- 
ned, as  to  the  legality  of  their  elections,  and  found, 
to  stand  as  follows: 

Henry  Kumler  Sen.,  Samuel  Heistand,  Bishops. 

Pennsylvania  Conference  —  Jacob  Erb,  Jacob  Win- 
ters. 

Virginia  Conference  —  Jacob  Rhinehart,  J.  J. 
Glossbrenner. 

Muskingum  Conference  —  Adam  Hetsler,  David 
Weimer. 

Sandusky  Conference  —  John  Dorcas,  Geo.  Hiskey . 

Scioto  Conference  —  John  Coons,  Win.  Hanby. 

Miami  Conference  —  J.  FetterhofF,  Wm,  Stubbs. 

Indiana  Conference —  F.  Whitcom,  John  Lopp. 

Wabash  Conference — F.  Kenoyer,  Wm.  Davis. 

Wm.  Rhinehart  elected  Secretary. 

At  this  Conference,  a  general  wish  was  expressed 
by  the  members,  that  a  constitution  be  adopted,  by 
which  the  general  principles  of  Church  government 
might  be  thrown  in  some  tangible  form.  It  was  not 
intended  that  any  new  principle  of  Church  govern- 
ment was  to  be  incorporated,  nor  yet  to  reject  any 
already  embraced  in  the  general  rules  of  discipline, 
but  rather  to  gather  up  and  embrace  in  one  general 
instrument,  the  fundamental  principles  upon  which 
the  government  of  the  Church  rests. 


1837  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  251 

First;  By  defining  the  duties  and  specific  powers 
of  the  legislative  and  judicial  bodies  of  the  Church, 
and 

Secondly;  By  setting  limits  to  those  powers,  and 
at  the  same  time  securing  to  all  their  just  rights  as 
members  of  the  house  hold  of  faith. 

Accordingly  a  constitution  was  drawn  up,  and 
published  to  the  Church,  as  a  kind  of  conventional 
constitution,  affording  the  church  members  an  oppor- 
tunity to  instruct  their  delegates  at  the  next  Gene- 
ral Conference,  to  adopt  it,  with  or  without  amend- 
ments, or  reject  it  altogether. 

The  quadrennial  report  of  the  Benevolent  Soci- 
ety of  Maryland,  was  made  and  adopted.  Amount 
of  interest  for  distribution,  was  $  168,95.  The 
amount  for  distribution  reported  by  the  Benevolent 
Society  of  Ohio,  was  $  100,00. 

A  constitution  for  the  printing  establishment  was 
also  adopted,  and  will  be  found  in  our  book  of  disci- 
pline. 

John  Russel,  George  Dresbach  and  Jonathan 
Dresbach,  were  re-elected  Trustees  of  the  Printing 
Establishment. 

Wm.  R.  Rhinehart  was  employed  as  Editor  of  the 
Religious  Telescope,  for  the  ensuing  four  years,  and 
Wm.  Hanby  was  appointed  general  book  agent  and 
treasurer,  until  the  next  General  Conference. 

All  traveling  preachers  in  regular  standing  in  the 
Brethren  Church,  were  to  have  the  Telescope  gratis. 

The  Conference  next  proceeded  to  elect  three 
Bishops  for  the  next  four  years,  which  resulted  in  th  e 


252  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1837 

election  of  Samuel  Heist  and,  Henry  Kumler  Sen., 
and  Jacob  Erb.  W.  R.  Rhinehart  and  Wm.  Hanby 
were  appointed  to  prepare  the  revised  discipline  for 
the  press.  J.  Russel  was  appointed  to  translate  the 
discipline  into  the  German. 

The  Conference  next  agreed  that  the  number  of 
Delegates  sent  to  next  General  Conference,  from 
the  different  Annual  Conferences,  should  be  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit; 


Pennsylvania, 4 

Virginia, 2 

Scioto, 4 

Miami, 3 


Wabash, 2 

Indiana, 3 

Muskingum, 2 

Sandusky, 2 


The  next  General  Conference  was  appointed  at 
Dresbach's  Church,  Pickaway  county,  Ohio,  to  com- 
mence on  the  second  Monday  in  May,  1841. 

A  note  of  thanks  to  the  good  people  of  German- 
town,  was  passed,  and  Conference  adjourned  after 
several  days  of  peaceable  session. 

During  this  year,  God  poured  out  his  spirit  gra- 
ciously in  many  portions  of  the  work.  Bro.  J.  Rit- 
ter,  writing  from  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  says: 

"  Our  third  protracted  meeting  was  held  at  Green- 
castle.  The  altar  was  crowded  with  mourners,  and 
many  were  emancipated  from  sin.  Upwards  of  six- 
ty have  united   with  the  Church  since  Conference." 

Bro  J.  Ressler  speaks  of  a  good  work  on  the  Ju- 
niatta  circuit,  Pa. 

Bro.  E.  Vandemark  of  Winchester  circuit,  Ohio, 
speaks  of  a  work  as  follows: 

"Christian  professors  have  been  renewed  —  back- 
sliders reclaimed,    and  sinners  converted.     Within 


1837  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  253 

the  short  space  of  seven  weeks,  sixty  persons  have 
united  with  the  Church;  and  we  trust  God  has  en- 
rolled their  names  in  the  book  of  life." 

The  following  from  the  pen  of  H.  Kumler  Jr.. 
will  be  of  interest  to  the  reader: 

"  Through  the  course  of  last  summer,  a  Jew  of 
the  tribe  of  Levi,  by  the  name  of  Nehemiah  Altman, 
who  is  to  some  extent  skilled  in  the  German  and 
Hebrew  Scriptures,  became  acquainted  with  the 
Brethren  Church.  He  frequently  contended  with 
all  the  strength  of  Jewish  prejudices,  that  the  Mes- 
siah had  not  yet  come  ;  his  eyes  however,  by  degrees 
were  opened,  so  that  he  saw  he  was  not  right.  He 
gave  the  New  Testament  a  candid  investigation,  and 
came  to  the  conclusion  from  different  prophecies, 
that  the  Messiah  had  come.  At  a  quarterly-meet- 
ing near  Lewisburg,  Ohio,  October  30th,  1837,  he 
arose  in  love-feast,  and  publicly  declared  that  he- 
could  reject  the  Saviour  no  longer  —  that  he  would 
own  him  as  his  Saviour  and  Lord  ;  and  through  Je- 
sus he  expected  to  be  saved.  Oh!  how  it  made  our 
hearts  rejoice." 


254  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER  VI. 


FROM  JANUARY  1838,  TO  JANUARY  1840. 


Conferences  of  1838  — Slavery  discussion  in  the  Telescope  — Home 
Missionary  Societies —  Death  of  Bishop  Heistand,  and  Dcwalt  Mech- 
lin —  Interesting  revivals  —  Church  organized  in  Circleville  —  Con- 
ferences of  1839  — Death  of  Andrew  Zeller,  and  others  —  Charter 
for  Printing  Establishment. 

Eight  Annual  Conferences  were  held  this  year, 
(1838.) 

The  Pennsylvania  met  in  Wormlisburg,  Cumber- 
land county,  Pa.,  March  5th.  Bishops  Heistand 
and  Erb  presided.  Ninety-eight  preachers  reported 
as  members  of  Conference  —  nine  received  on  pro- 
bation —  one  mission  added  —  Wheeling  mission. 

At  the  close  of  the  session,  the  following  ques- 
tions and  answers  were  annexed. 

Ques.  Where  and  when  shall  our  next  Conference 
beheld? 

Ans.  At  Lebanon,  Pa.,  on  the  second  Monday  in 
March,  1839. 

Ques.  Where  and  when  shall  the  Allegheny  Con- 
ference be  held  ? 

Ans.  At  Mt.  Pleasant,  Westmoreland  county,  Pa. 
on  the  last  monday  in  March,  1839. 

Here  then,  we  have  the  first  announcement  of  an 
Allegheny  Conference.  Prior  to  this  time,  all  the 
preachers  scattered  through  Western  Pennsylvania, 


1838  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  255 

belonged  to  the  Pennsylvania  Conference.  The 
opinion  of  some  of  our  brethren  is,  that  the  Alleghe- 
ny Conference  was  set  off  at  the  General  Conference 
of  1837.  But  in  the  Minutes  of  that  Conference, 
there  appears  not  the  slightest  intimation  of  said 
Conference  being  set  off —  indirect  testimony  bears 
the  other  way. 

By  a  resolution  of  the  last  General  Conference, 
the  number  of  delegates  for  each  Conference,  accor- 
ding to  their  strength,  was  fixed  for  the  succeeding 
General  Conference.  The  eight  Conferences  then 
represented,  were  all  named  *  and  the  number  for 
each  given,  but  not  a  word  about  the  Allegheny 
Conference.  One  year  after  the  General  Confer- 
ence, the  preachers  all  met  together  in  regular  Con- 
ference ;  consequently  we  conclude  that  the  Penn- 
sylvania Conference  set  off  the  Allegheny,  by 
mutual  consent  of  its  members,  there  being  at  that 
time,  no  discipline  forbidding  such  a  course  This 
course  appears  to  have  been  adopted  by  the  Indi- 
ana Conference  in  setting  off  the  Wabash  in  1834f 

Virginia  Conference  met  March  21st.  Bishop 
Heistand  presided.  Twenty-five  preachers  reported. 
Three  candidates  for  the  ministry  received.  Wm. 
11.  Coursey  and  Jacob  Bechtel,  Presiding  Elders. 

Muskingum  Annual  Conference  met  April  16th, 
Jacob  Erb  Bishop,  presided.  Thirty-six  preachers 
reported  — seven  candidates  for  the  ministry  receiv- 

*  See  proceedings  of  General  Conference,  page  252. 
t  See  page  241. 


256  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1838 

ed  —  two  charges  added,  Warren  circuit  and  Mohe- 
gan  mission.     A.  Biddle  Presiding  Elder. 

At  this  Conference,  a  Missionary  Society  was 
formed,  for  the  purpose  of  more  effectually  extend- 
ing the  work  within  the  bounds  of  said  Conference. 
A  constitution  was  adopted,  and  suitable  officers 
appointed. 

Sandusky  Conference  commenced  its  session  April 
25th.  Jacob  Erb  presided,  J.  Baulus  assisted. 
Thirty-six  preachers  reported  —  Michigan  mission 
added. 

Scioto  Annual  Conference  met  at  Winchester, 
Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  May  8th.  Bishop  Kumler, 
Heistand  and  Erb,  all  present.  Fifty-nine  minis- 
ters reported. 

At  this  Conference,  seven  individuals  entered  the 
ministry  on  probation  —  six  were  consecrated  to 
the  work,  by  the  imposition  of  hands. 

For  many  years  the  want  of  some  efficient  plan 
by  which  to  extend  the  word  of  life,  to  destitute 
portions  of  this  Conference  district,  was  very 
deeply  felt ;  consequently  at  this  session,  a  Home 
Missionary  Society  was  formed,  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  funds  for  that  object.  A  constitution  was 
adopted,  and  officers  appointed. 

During  the  past  year,  there  was  a  great  excite- 
ment on  the  subject  of  American  Slavery  ;  and 
that  excitement  of  course,  found  its  way  into 
the  columns  of  the  "  Religious  Telescope."  On 
the  8th  of  November,  E.  P.  Lovejoy,  of  Alton, 
Illinois,  was  shot   down  for  being   an    abolitionist  ; 


1838  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  257 

and  this  circumstance  with  other  things,  had  caused 
a  general  excitement.  Many  of  the  readers  of  the 
Telescope  were  opposed  to  the  course  it  had  taken  on 
this  subject,  and  thought  that  discussion  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Slavery  should  be  left  out  of  the  paper.  The 
Telescope  being  under  the  control  of  the  Scioto 
Annual  Conference,  in  the  intervals  of  General  Con- 
ference, the  subject  was  brought  up  and  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  passed. 

"  1st.  Resolved,  That  we  regard  with  painful  abhorrence,  any  at- 
tempt to  justify  Slavery  from  the  Bible,  thereby  making  it  a  divine  in- 
stitution, and  consequently  God  the  Author  of  robbery  and  blood-shed; 
and  that  we  believe  the  Christian  Church,  while  it  neglects  the  bond- 
man of  this  land,  opposes  its  own  interest  and  morals. 

2d.  Resolved,  Therefore,  in  view  of  the  Bible,  Religion  and  our  Dis- 
cipline —  that  the  columns  of  the  Religious  Telescope,  be,  and  remain 
open  for  the  discussion  of  Slavery,  as  well  as  Intemperance,  Sabbath- 
breaking  and  every  other  evil  of  the  land. 

3d.  Resolved,  That  all  persons  writing  for  the  Religious  Telescope, 
either  on  moral  or  religious  subjects,  be,  and  are  hereby  instructed  to 
guard  against  making  use  of  hard  expressions,  in  contradicting  each 
other's  assertions;  but  to  manifest  a  Christian  like  spirit  in  their  com- 
munications; which  is  more  consistent  with  the  character  of  our 
Church,  as  •  United  Brethren  in  Christ.' " 

Miami  Conference  convened  May  22d.  H.  Kum- 
ler  Sen.,  presided,  assisted  by  J.  Hoffman.  Fifty 
ministers  reported  —  nine  circuits  and  missions. 
Five  ministers  received  on  probation  —  seven  set 
apart  to  Elders  orders.  F.  Whitcom  was  elected 
Presiding  Elder  * 

Indiana  Conference  convened  in  Corrydon,  la., 
August  29th.     H.  Kumler  Sen.,   presided,     Thirty  - 

*  This  Conference  also*  organized  a  Home  Missionary  Society. 

18 


258  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1838 

seven  preachers  reported —  eight  applicants  receiv- 
ed —  three  ordained.  Aaron  Farmer  and  John 
Lopp  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

Wabash  Conference  convened  September  11th. 
Bishop  Kumler  Sen.,  presided,  J.  Hoobler  assistant. 
Twenty-seven  preachers  reported  —  three  received 
on  transfer  from  other  Conferences,  and  two  received 
on  probation, 

This  year  brings  our  history  down  to  the  demise 
of  two  of  our  aged  and  honored  ministers,  Dewalt 
Mechlin  and  Samuel  Heistand  Bishop. 

Father  Mechlin  departed  this  life  July  30th,  at  the 
going  down  of  the  sun.  He  had  been  assisting  his 
children  through  the  course  of  the  day,  in  making 
hay.  He  ate  breakfast,  dinner  and  supper,  in  usual 
health.  After  supper  he  went  to  his  meadow  for 
the  last  time.  While  in  the  act  of  raking,  he  fell 
as  the  mown  grass  before  the  scythe,  and  immedi- 
ately expired  without  a  moments  warning.  He  was 
about  sixty  years  old  when  he  died  —  embraced  re- 
ligion about  twenty-eight  years  prior  to  his  death. 
Soon  after  his  conversion,  he  commenced  exhorting 
his  fellow  mortals,  to  prepare  to  meet  God.  He 
stood  as  a  faithful  minister  of  the  Church  for  many 
years.  His  peculiar  gift  was  exhortation  —  scarce- 
ly ever  did  he  take  a  text.  We  have  often  heard 
him  say,  that  if  he  had  any  gift,  it  was  in  exhorta- 
tion. It  is  due  to  the  memory  of  this  good  man,  to 
say  that  he  was  under  God,  a  great  blessing  to  the 
Church  —  having  labored  and  traveled  much,  with- 
out any  pecuniary  reward  whatever.     The  Lord  had 


1838  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  259 

blessed  him  with  a  reasonable  share  of  this  world*? 
goods  ;  consequently  he  felt  like  giving  the  Church 
his  labors  free  of  charge. 

Next  in  the  order  of  time,  was  Samuel  Heistand, 
much  beloved  and  lamented  by  all  his  acquaintances; 
departed  this  life  October  the  9th,  in  the  fifty-sev- 
enth year  of  his  age.  Near  six  years  prior  to  his 
death,  he  was  elected  Bishop,  and  remained  in  that 
relation  until  death. 

He  moved  from  Virginia  to  Fairfield  county,  Ohio, 
in  the  23d  year  of  his  age,  and  was  married  four 
years  afterwards,  to  Margaret  Raudebaugh —  em- 
braced religion  about  thirty-two  years  prior  to  his 
death  —  was  a  minister  in  the  Church  twenty  years. 
Bishop  Heistand  was  a  man  of  deep  piety,  a  faith- 
ful and  efficient  expounder  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  ; 
by  no  means  an  orator,  but  a  very  close  and  practi- 
cal reasoner.  No  man  could  be  in  his  company, 
without  feeling  that  in  him  were  sweetly  blended 
the  true  characteristics  of  a  friend,  a  christian  and 
a  divine. 

During  the  year  1838,  there  were  some  interesting 
revivals  in  the  Church,  both  East  and  West.  Bro. 
George  Bonebrake  of  the  Miami  Conference,  in 
speaking  of  a  camp-meeting,  says: 

"  Mourners  poured  forward  to  the  anxious  bench- 
es, it  was  supposed,  to  the  number  of  one  hundred 
or  more ;  and  it  appeared  as  fast  as  the  Lord 
healed  the  broken-hearted,  the  arrows  of  conviction 
fastened  on  others.  Seventy-three  joined  Church. 
During  the  meeting,  a  conversation  among  the  wick- 


260  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1838 

ed,  was  overheard  by  one  of  the  Brethren.  While 
all  were  astonished  at  the  work,  one  of  the  number 
proposed  to  the  company,  that  they  would  go  up 
to  the  altar,  and  see  what  wras  going  on ;  another 
observed  that  they  had  better  stay  away;  for  says  he, 
'  the  preachers  were  so  well  skilled  in  their  business 
that  their  voice  had  an  electrifying  influence,  and  if 
people  got  near  them,  they  would  be  so  shocked, 
that  they  would  be  sure  to  fall,'  so  they  all  agreed 
to  stay  away." 

Brother  Goodrich  from  Preble  county,  O.,  writes: 

"  The  walls  which  were  broken  down,  have  been 
repaired,  and  the  work  of  reformation  is  going  on 
gloriously.  There  were  one  hundred  and  eighty 
members  on  this  circuit,  when  this  Conference  year 
commenced,  and  seventy-nine  have  since  been  add- 
ed —  fifty-four  of  whom,  joined  at  camp-meeting. 
Surely  the  set  time  to  favor  Zionis  come." 

In  Indiana  there  were  many  good  revivals.  In 
Abington,  a  good  work  broke  out.  Some  thirty 
added  to  the  church.  At  a  camp-meeting  in  Wayne 
county,  between  fifty  and  seventy -five  conversions, 
and  fifty  accessions.  Oh  Flat  Rock  circuit,  there 
were  rising  two  hundred  accessions.  During  this 
year,  the  work  was  pretty  general  in  la.  In  West- 
ern Pennsylvania,  under  the  labors  of  Jacob  Ritter, 
there  were  interesting  revivals  of  religion,  and  much 
opposition  to  contend  with;  especially  were  many, 
even  of  the  members,  opposed  to  class  meetings  and 
the  mourner's  bench. 

With  the  close  of  this  year,  commenced  the  great 


1839  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  261 

revival  in  Circleville,  which  resulted  in  the  organi- 
zation of  a  Brethren  Church,  of  about  one  hundred 
members.  We  have  never,  on  any  occasion,  wit- 
nessed greater  displays  of  divine  power.  Sinners 
were  found  on  the  streets,  inquiring  with  anxious 
solicitude,  for  the  United  Brethren  prayer-meetings, 
and  perhaps  as  soon  as  they  would  enter  the  enclo- 
sure of  a  meeting,  would  fall  upon  their  knees,  and 
beg  for  an  interest  in  the  prayers  of    God's  people. 

1839.  This  year,  nine  Annual  Conferences  were 
held. 

The  Virginia  met  February  25th.  Bishop  Erb 
presided.  W.  R.  Coursey  and  Jacob  Bechtel,  elec- 
ted Presiding  Elders. 

The  Pennsylvania  held  its  session  in  Lebanon 
county  Pa.,  March  11th.      Bishop  Erb  presided. 

Allegheny  commenced  its  first  session  at  Mount 
Pleasant,  Westmoreland  county  Pa.  Bishop  Erb 
presided.  Twenty-nine  preachers  belonged  to  this 
new  Conference  — four  applicants  also,  were  receiv- 
ed—  in  all,  thirty-three.  Five  circuits  embraced  at 
this  time.     J.  R.  Sitman  elected  Presiding  Elder. 

Muskingum  met  at  Union  Meeting  House,  Harri- 
son county,  Ohio,  April  2d.  J.  Erb  presided,  A. 
Biddle  chairman.  A.  Biddle  elected  Presiding  El- 
der. 

Sandusky  met  April  11th.  J.  Erb  Bishop,  presi- 
ded, J.  Baulus  chairman.  M.  Long,  J.  Beaver, 
A.  Spracklin  and  Jacob  Newman,  were  ordained  by 
the  imposition  of  hands. 

Scioto  met  at  Pleasant  Run  Meeting  House,  Fair- 


262  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1839 

Held  county,  Ohio,  April  23d.  Bishops  Kumler  and 
Erb  presided.  Nine  applicants  were  received  into 
the  ministry  —  four  ordained .  E .  Yandemark  and 
John  De  Witt  Presiding  Elders. 

At  this  Conference,  the  writer  was  appointed 
Editor  of  the  Religious  Telescope,  in  place  of  Wm. 
R.  Rhinehart,  resigned. 

The  deaths  of  Bishop  Heistand  and  Dewalt 
Mechlin,  were  announced,  and  entered  upon  the 
Conference  Journal,  with  very  deep  emotions  by  all 
present.  Wm.  Leist  was  appointed  Trustee  of  Tel- 
escope Office,  in  place  of  John  Coons,  resigned. 

Miami  convened  at  German  town,  Ohio,  May  21st. 
H.  Kumler  Bishop, and  J.  HofFm=an  chairman. 

On  the  4th  day  of  the  session  of  this  Conference, 
Andrew  Zeller,  an  .aged  minister  of  the  Church,  de- 
parted this  life  in  Germantown,  about  10  o'clock  A. 
M.,  while  Conference  was  in  session.  He  died  in 
great  peace,  in  the  84th  year  of  his  age.  He  was 
an  aged  and  honored  minister  of  the  Brethren 
Church  'r  one  among  the  early  fathers  —  was  elected 
Bishop  in  1815,  when  our  discipline  wr.as  first  form- 
ed ;  and  continued  in  that  relation,  until  the  Gene- 
ral Conference  of  1821,  a  term  of  six  years. 

Six  brethren  were  received  into  the  ministry  at 
this  Conference,  and  three  ordained. 

Indiana  convened  in  Franklin  county,  la.,  August 
27th.  HL  Kumler  Sen.  Bishop,  M.  Bottenburg 
chairman.  Six  brethren  were  received  into  the 
ministry,  and  four  ordained.. 

Wabash  convened  at  the   house    of   Bro.    Wm. 


1839  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  2G3 

Bakers,  la.,  on  the  5th  day  of  September.  Bishop 
Kumler  Sen.,  presided,  F.  Kenoyer  chairman. 
Five  ministers  received  on  probation  —  three  re- 
ceived by  transfer  from  other  Conferences. 

Several  other  ministers  were  called  home  during 
the  last  Conference  year.  In  addition  to  the  one 
already  named,  were  Michael  Cover,  George  Hoff- 
man and  R.  Duncan  of  the  Miami  Conference,  and 
A .  Farmer  of  Indiana  Conference,  the  latter  well 
known  as  an  efficient  pioneer  of  the  West ;  and  the 
former  loved  and  esteemed  by  their  brethren  of  the 
Miami  Conference . 

There  were  also  many  interesting  revivals  during 
this  year,  but  the  length  of  the  present  chapter,  pre- 
cludes a  detailed  account  of  them. 

A  charter  was  obtained  under  date  of  March 
16th,  1839,  for  "  the  Conference  Printing  Estab- 
lishment of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,"  at, 
Circleville,  Ohio,  with  succession  for  thirty  years. 


264  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF 


CHAPTER  VII. 


FROM  JANUARY  1840,  TO  JANUARY  1842- 


Conferences  of  1840 — Great  revivals  —  Death  of  Brs.  Key,  Frey 
and  Light  — Conferences  of  1841  —  General|Conference  —  Salary 
of  preachers  raised  —  Foreign  Missionary  Society  —  Revivals. 

Nine  Annual  Conferences  convened  this  year. 

The  first  in  the  order  of  time,  was  the  Virginia, 
which  convened  on  the  2d  day  of  February,  1840. 
Bishop  Erb  presided,  George  Patterson  chairman. 
Twenty-eight  preachers  reported  —  nine  circuits 
and  missions.  Wm.  R.  Coursey  and  Jacob  Bech- 
tel  Presiding  Elders . 

Pennsylvania  met  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  on  the  4th 
of  February.  Bishop  Erb  presided,  John  Russel 
chairman.  Sixty  preachers  were  reported  as  mem- 
bers of  Conference — nine  circuits.  J.  Light  and 
John  Fohl  elected  Presiding  Elders.  John  Russel 
stationed  in  Baltimore. 

Allegheny  convened  February  24th .  Bishop  Erb 
presided,  H.  Ow,  assisted.  Thirty-one  members  of 
Conference  reported  —  eight  charges.  Geo.  Miller 
Presiding  Elder. 

Muskingum  met  at  Crooked  Run,  on  the  4th  day 
of  March.  Bishop  Erb  presided,  A.  Hetsler  assis- 
tant.    Forty-one   preachers  reported  —  eight  cir- 


1840  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  265 

cuits  —  four  received  on  probation,  and  five  were 
ordained  by  the  imposition  of  hands. 

Sandusky  met  March  1 1th .  Bishop  Erb  presided, 
J.  Baulus  assisted.  Twenty-six  members  reported, 
and  seven  circuits .  H.  G.  Spayth,  Presiding  El- 
der. 

Scioto  met  in  Bethel  Church,  Fairfield  county,  O., 
March  16th.  Bishop  Erb  and  Kumler  Sen.,  pres- 
ent. Sixty-five  ministers  reported — fifteen  char- 
ges —  eleven  applicants  were  received  —  four  or- 
dained.    E.  Vandemark  elected  Presiding  Elder. 

Miami  met  in  Butler  county,  Ohio,  April  21st. 
Bishop  Kumler  Sen.,  presided,  Jos.  Hoffman  assis- 
tant. Fifty-four  ministers  reported  —  twelve  char- 
ges. Jos.  Hoffman  and  H.  Kumler  Jr.,  elected 
Presiding  Elders .  E.  Hoffman,  J.  H.  Kemp,  An- 
drew Hetsler  and  Samuel  Herren,  were  ordained. 

Indiana  met  at  Corrydon,Ia.,  the  first  Friday  in 
May.  From  some  cause,  none  of  the  Bishops 
reached  this  Conference.  M.  Bottenburg  was  cho- 
sen Bishop  pro  tern,  and  H.  Bonebrake  assistant. 
Forty-four  ministers  reported  —  ten  circuits .  Wm . 
Steward  and  J.  Mc Allen  elected  Presiding  Elders . 

Wabash  met  at  John  Fetterhoff's,  in  la.,  June  3d. 
No  Bishop  attending,  J.  Fetterhoff  and  Wm.  Davis 
elected  chairmen.  Thirty-eight  ministers,  —  and 
twelve  circuits  and  missions  reported.  Josiah 
Davis  and  Wm.  Davis,  (brothers,)  were  elected  Pre- 
siding Elders . 


266  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1840 

Conferences.  Preachers.     Circuits. 

Pennsylvania,. 60       ,      9 

Virginia, 28  9 

Allegheny, 31  8 

Muskingum, 41  8 

Sandusky, 26  7 

Scioto, 65  15 

Miami, , 54  12 

Indiana,  .  ~ .. .  44  10 

Wabash, ...38  12 

Total  for  1840, 387  90 

Total  for  1835, 293  56 

Increase  in  5  years,.  .  . 94  34 

During  this  year,  there  were  many  interesting 
revivals  of  religion  in  various  portions  of  the  work. 

In  the  fall  of  1839,  a  work  commenced  in  Lewis- 
burg,  Ohio,  and  continued  some  months.  Francis 
Whitcom,  in  speaking  of  the  revival,  says: 

"  Our  altar  was  crowded  with  mourners,  and  ma- 
ny were  converted.  Some  were  converted  also,  at 
their  homes,  some  in  the  woods,  and  in  almost  every 
direction,  the  cries  of  the  distressed  were  heard. 
Seventy  have  been  received  into  the  Church,  and  the 
work  is  still  going  on." 

In  the  city  of  Baltimore,  during  the  session  of 
Conference  in  Februaiy ,  a  very  interesting  work  of 
grace  was  in  progress.  From  twenty  to  thirty  per- 
sons were  forward  each  evening  for  prayers  —  fifty 
united  with  the  Church. 


1840  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  26? 

On  Wills  Creek  circuit,  Muskingum  Conference, 
Ohio,  a  great  work  broke  out.     James  McGaw  speak 
ing  of  this  work,  says: 

"  The  meeting  continued  eight  days,  during  which 
time  eighty  souls  were  happily  converted  to  God. 
Seventy  of  this  number  joined  Church." 

In  the  vicinity  of  Boonsboro,  Md.,  there  was  a 
very  interesting  revival.  The  ministers  were  cloth- 
ed with  a  power,  surely  not  their  own.  Bro.  G.  A. 
Shuey,  in  speaking  of  this  work,  says: 

"  A  number  were  brought  to  yield  to  the  heavenly 
influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God.  Fifty-seven  joined 
Church  during  this  meeting." 

In  Virginia,  there  were  seasons  of  great  grace. 
Brother  D.  S.  Spessard,  in  speaking  of  a  camp- 
meeting  held  in  that  State,  says: 

"  God  was  in  the  camp  day  and  night,  from  the 
commencement  to  the  close  of  the  meeting.  We 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  sinners  awakened,  mour- 
ners converted,  backsliders  reclaimed,  and  believers 
sanctified." 

In  Pennsylvania  there  were  many  outpourings  of 
the  Holy  Spirit.  In  Liverpool,  on  the  banks  of  the 
Susquehanna,  and  in  the  surrounding  country,  a 
gracious  work  broke  out,  under  the  labors  of  Bro, 
Wm.  Beighel.  J.  E.  Murry  speaks  of  this  work, 
thus: 

"  The  Methodist  had  preached  here  for  several 
years,  but  had  forsaken  it  last  spring  on  account  of 
wickedness,  and  seeing  no  prospect  of  good.  Since 
Bro.    Beighel    came    here,  things    have    changed 


268  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1841 

We  now  have  a  society  of  thirty  respectable  mem- 
bers .  Thirty  individuals  also  united  with  the  Church 
at  a  meeting  seven  miles  below  this  place.  Bro. 
Beighel  says  you  publish  a  paper  in  Circleville ;  I 
am  anxious  to  read  it." 

During  this  year,  three  Missionary  Societies  were 
formed.  One  by  the  members  of  the  Allegheny 
Conference,  one  by  the  Virginia  Conference,  and  a 
third  by  the  Otterbein  Church  in  Baltimore,  Md. 
The  object  of  the  two  former,  is  to  extend  the  work 
more  effectually  in  the  bounds  of  the  Conference  dis- 
tricts respectively  ;  that  of  the  latter  is  to  send  Mis- 
sionaries among  the  Germans  in  America.  These 
Societies  are  destined  to  do  much  good  if  faithfully 
conducted. 

Three  ministers  wrere  called  away  by  death  during 
this  year,  to  wit:  C.  D.  Key,  Henry  J.  Frey  and 
Felix  Light.  Bro.  Crasey  D.  Key,  was  a  member 
of  the  Indiana  Conference;  died  February  19th,  in 
the  forty-seventh  year  of  his  age.  He  was  said  to 
be  useful  and  highly  esteemed.  Henry  Joseph  Frey 
was  a  member  of  the  Miami  Conference,  died  May 
24th,  in  the  sixty-eighth  year  of  his  age  —  a  preach- 
er in  the  Church  nearly  thirty  years  ;  first  in  Virgin- 
ia and  then  in  Ohio.  He  was  very  diligent  in  the 
service  of  the  Lord. 

Felix  Light  was  a  member  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Conference  ;  of  the  particulars  of  his  labors  and 
death,  we  have  no  account,  see  page  187. 

1841.  Nine  Annual,  and  one  General  Conference 
were  held  this  year. 


1841  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  269 

The  Virginia  met  in  Frederick  county,  Md. ,  Feb- 
ruary 22d.      Bishop  Erb  presided. 

Pennsylvania  met  in  Lancaster  county,  Penn., 
March  1st.  J.  Erb  presided.  Sixteen  preachers 
received  on  probation. 

Allegheny  met  in  Bellfonte,  Pa.,  March  15th. 
Bishop  Erb  Presided.  Eight  candidates  were  re- 
ceived into  the  ministry . 

Muskingum  met  at  Weimer's  Church,  April  20th . 
Bishop  Erb  presided.  Three  new  circuits  added, 
viz:  Beallville,  Coshocton  and  Bethlehem. 

The  Minutes  of  the  Sandusky  Conference  are 
not  at  hand. 

The  Scioto  convened  at  Otterbein  Church,  Picka- 
way county,  Ohio,  May  3d.  Bishops  KumlerSen. 
and  Erb,  present.  Four  candidates  were  received 
into  the  ministry. 

The  Miami  Conference  met  May  25th,  at  Lewis- 
burg,  Ohio.  H.  Kumler  Sen.,  and  H.  Kumler  Jr., 
(father  and  son,)  Bishops .  Eight  ministers  received 
on  probation,  and  two  by  letter. 

Indiana  met  June  3d,  at  Bethel  Church,  Decatur 
county,  la.  H.  Kumler  Jr.,  Bishop.  Nine  appli- 
cants were  received  into  the  ministry. 

The  Minutes  of  the  Wabash  Conference  for  this 
year,  are  not  at  hand . 

The  General  Conference  of  1841,  convened  at 
Dresbach's  Meeting-house,  Pickaway  county,  Ohio, 
May  the  10th.  The  following  delegates  were  pres- 
ent, and  took  their  seats: 

Henry  Kumler  Sen. ,  Jacob  Erb,  Bishops. 


270  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1841 

Pennsylvania  Conference  —  J.  Russel,  Jacob  Roop. 

Virginia  Conference  —  J .  J .  Glossbrenner,  W . 
R.  Coursey. 

Muskingum  Conference  —  A.  Biddle,  James  Mc- 
Gavv . 

Sandusky  Conference —  H.  G.  Spayth,  G.  Hiskey. 

Allegheny  Conference  —  Jacob  Ritter,  G.  Miller. 

Scioto  Conference — Wm-  Hastings,  John  Coons, 
J.  Montgomery,  E.  Vandemark. 

Miami  Conference  —  Henry  Kumler,  F .  Whit- 
com. 

Indiana  Conference —  Henry  Bonebrake,  Jos.  A. 
Ball,  J.  G.  Eckels. 

Wabash  Conference — Josiah  Davis,  Wm.  Davis. 

George  Bonebrake  from  Miami  Conference,  was 
absent,  in  consequence  of  ill  health.  J.  Montgom- 
ery and  J.  Slonaker,  were  elected  Secretaries. 

After  many  preliminaries,  and  some  regular  Con- 
ference business  had  been  attended  to,  the  subject 
of  a  constitution  was  brought  up.  Much  discussion 
was  had  for  and  against.  Finally  a  vote  was  taken 
in  favor  of  constitution ;  and  a  committee  of  nine 
appointed  to  draft  one,  and  present  it  to  Conference 
for  action.  The  committee's  report  was  made,  and 
the  proposed  constitution  carefully  read,  section  by 
section,  and  finally  adopted  by  a  large  majority  * 

At  this  Conference,  the  salary  of  preachers  was 
raised  from  one  hundred  and  sixty  dollars  for  a  mar- 
ried man,  to  two  hundred  dollars  and  house  rent ;  and 

*  The  constitution  will  be  found  on  page  198,  part  first. 


1841  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  271 

that  of  a  single  man,  to  one  hundred  dollars  instead 
of  eighty.  With  such  salaries,  it  must  be  apparent 
to  all,  that  a  traveling  preacher  must  remain,  all  his 
days,  a  poor  man .  Truly,  the  motive  of  a  lucrative 
business,  will  prompt  no  one  to  become  a  traveling 
preacher  in  the  Brethren  Church  ;  but  the  want  of  a 
competent  support,  has  driven  many  a  promising 
man  from  the  itinerancy .  It  is  but  just,  however, 
to  remark  that  the  support  of  traveling  preachers.is 
becoming  more  and  more  adequate  to  their  wants  ; 
and  provisions  are  made  to  meet  extreme  cases  of 
large  families,  or  expensive  locations  in  towns  and 
cities  ;  and  also  for  moving  the  minister  from  one 
charge  to  another .  But  after  all,  a  traveling  preach- 
er, who  is  exclusively  devoted  to  his  work,  and  has 
nothing  to  depend  upon  but  his  hire,  as  a  servant 
of  the  Church,  may  expect  to  go  down  to  the  grave 
a  poor  man  ;  though  thank  the  Good  Being,  he  may 
be  rich  in  faith,  and  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

George  Dresbach,  Jonathan  Dresbach  and  Wm . 
Leist,  were  elected  Trustees  of  the  Telescope  Office. 
Wm.  Hanby  was  elected  Editor  for  the  ensuing 
four  years. 

At  this  Conference,  a  Parent  Missionary  Society 
was  formed,  for  the  purpose  of  extending  the  gospel 
on  our  frontiers  and  among  the  heathens  in  Foreign 
lands. 

It  was  also  resolved  to  establish  a  German  Print- 
ing Office  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  and  accordingly,  John 
Russel,  Cornelius  Staily  and  Henry  Weighand,  were 


272  HISTORY    OF    THE   CHURCH    OF  1841 

appointed  Trustees  —  to  be  governed  by  the  same 
rules  by  which  the  English  Press  is  governed1  ;  and 
that  the  German  Press  be  under  the  control  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Conference,  in  the  interval  of  Gene- 
ral Conferences. 

Jacob  Erb  was  appointed  Editor  and  general 
agent  of  the  German  Press. 

The  German  Paper  was  to  bear  the  title,  "  Die 
Geschaeftige  Martha."     (The  Busy  Martha.) 

Conference  next  proceeded  to  the  election  of  four 
Bishops,  which  resulted  as  follows,  to  wit: 


H.  KUMLER  Sen.. 
JACOB  ERB, 


JOHN  COONS, 
H.  KUMLER  Jr. 


John  Russel  was  appointed  to  travel  as  a  general 
agent,  to  solicit  subscribers  for  the  Telescope,  the 
German  paper,  the  Pledge  List,  and  to  advance  the 
interests  of  the  Parent  Missionary  Society. 

With  regard  to  the  Pledge  List,  the  reader  is  here- 
by informed  that,  during  the  year  1840,  an  enter- 
prise was  gotten  up  to  relieve  the  Telescope  Office 
from  embarrassments,  and  also  to  establish  a  Ger- 
man paper  in  the  Church.  The  plan  adopted,  was 
to  secure  five  hundred  persons  who  would  pay  ten 
dollars  each,  for  the  very  desirable  object.  The 
object  was  not  fully  realized,  yet  very  considerable 
relief  from  debt  was  found  through  this  medium ; 
and  considerable  done  towards  establishing  the  Ger- 
man Press. 

After  a  pleasant  session  of  some  ten  days,  the 
General  Conference  adjourned,  to  meet  in  Circle- 
ville,  Ohio,  the  second  Monday  in  May  1845. 


1841  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  273 

There  were  some  interesting  revivals  during  this 
year,  though  not  as  great  as  some  previous  years. 
In  the  Virginia  Conference,  there  were  some  inter- 
esting seasons.  In  the  Scioto  Conference,  Ohio, 
there  were  some  revivals  also.  On  Pickaway  cir- 
cuit, under  the  labors  of  W.  K.  McCabe  and  P. 
Brock,  there  was  a  good  work.  At  two  appoint- 
ments, nearly  one  hundred  souls  were  converted  and 
added  to  the  Church.  In  the  city  of  Cincinnati  also, 
there  was  an  interesting  revival. 

Christian  Strickler,  minister  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Conference,  died  July  20th,  in  the  36th  year  of  his 
age. 

19 


274  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


FROM  JANUARY  1842,  TO  JANUARY  1844. 


Conferences  of  1842  —  Revivals  —  Twelve  ministers  died  —  Confer- 
ences of  1843  —  Miller  excitement  —  Two  ministers  died. 

During  this  year,  (1842,)  there  were,  as  usual,  nine 
Annual  Conferences  held. 

The  first  was  the  Pennsylvania,  which  met  in 
Dauphin  county,  January  24th.  J.  Erb  presided, 
assisted  by  J.  Fohl.  Nine  applicants  were  received 
on  probation. 

Allegheny  convened  March  the  7th.  No  Bishop 
being  present,  George  Miller  was  elected  Bishop 
pro  tern ;  J.  Ritter  to  assist.  Two  applicants  were 
received  on  probation. 

Muskingum  met  at  Mt.  Carmel  Church,  Tusca- 
rawas county,  Ohio,  March  the  14th.  No  Bishop 
present.  A.  Biddle  and  S.  Long,  elected  chairmen. 
Seven  candidates  received  into  the  ministry.  Three 
new  circuits  were  added,  to  wit:  Middletown,  Berlin 
and  Nimishillin. 

Virginia  convened  in  Augusta  county,  Va.,  April 
the  11th.  Bishop  Erb  presided,  assisted  by  J.  J. 
Glossbrenner.  Two  candidates  received.  The  death 
of  George  Geeting  was  entered  on  the  Journal. 

Sandusky  met  in  Lucas  county,  Ohio,  April  11th. 
H.  Kumler  Jr.,  Bishop,  J.  Baulus  and  H.  G.  Spayth 


1842  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  275 

chairmen.  Three  candidates  received  into  the  min- 
istry. This  Conference  constituted  a  Home  Mission- 
ary Society,  for  the  purpose  of  extending  the  gospel 
more  effectually  within  its  own  bounds.  A  consti- 
tution was  adopted,  and  officers  appointed. 

Scioto  met  at  Winchester,  Ohio,  May  2d.  Bish- 
ops J.  Coons  and  H.~  Kumler,  Jr.,  were  present. 
Nine  persons  were  set  apart  to  the  ministry,  by  the 
imposition  of  hands.  Two  new  circuits  were  add- 
ed, viz:  Hillsborough  and  Chester. 

Miami  met  at  Liberty,  Montgomery  county,  Ohio, 
May  17th.  H.  Kumler  Sen.,  and  H.  Kumler  Jr., 
Bishops,  were  present.  D.  Kumler  and  A.  S.  Deck- 
er were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

Indiana  met  in  Andersonsville,  on  the  25th  day  of 
May.  H.  Kumler  Jr.,  Bishop,  presided,  assisted  by 
J.  A.  Ball.  W.  Steward  and  H.  Bonebrake  wTere 
elected  Presiding  Elders. 

Wabash  met  at  Jefferson,  la.,  June  3d.  Bishop 
Kumler  Jr.,  present.  A.  W.  Hedges  and  J.  Villers 
were  ordained.  Wm.  Davis,  J.  Fetterhoff,  Win. 
Brown  and  Josiah  Davis,  were  elected  Presiding 
Elders. 

This  Conference  is  becoming  quite  too  large  — 
embracing  in  its  territory,  Northern  Indiana,  all  of 
Illinois,  a  work  in  Iowa  and  also  a  Mission  in  Wis- 
consin. Seven  years  ago,  it  held  its  first  session, 
with  only  twelve  members  belonging,  and  six  charg- 
es. This  year,  fifty  members  are  reported  —  twenty 
circuits  and  missions,  and  thirteen  applicants  receiv- 


276  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1842 

ed.     Surely,  God  is  doing  much  for  the   Brethren  in 
the  West. 

Many  very  interesting  revivals  took  place  during 
this  year.  In  Germantown,  Ohio,  many  precious 
souls  were  brought  to  the  Saviour.  Eighty  united 
with  the  Church. 

Jesse  Bright  of  Brush  Creek  circuit,  writes: 

"  Nine  classes  have  been  formed  within  the  last 
year,  and  two  hundred  and  twenty  have  joined 
Church." 

In  the  town  of  Etna,  Ohio,  sixty  united  in  Church 
fellowship.  Bro.  T.  P.  Jones  says,  that  within  the 
compass  of  forty-five  miles  on  the  Miami  Valley y 
within  the  last  four  months,  upwards  of  three  hun- 
dred have  been  added  to  the  Church,  most  of  whom 
gave  evidence  of  sound  conversion. 

Brother  C.  W.  Witt,  in  speaking  of  a  great  work 
in  Abington,  Indiana,  says: 

"  For  deep  humility,  for  heart-rending  soul-con- 
verting and  reviving  power,  for  fervent  praying  and 
sound  gospel,  heart-felt,  pointed  preaching,  I  never 
saw  an  equal.  Over  sixty  have  joined,  and  twenty 
have  been  baptized  by  immersion.  Brother  T.  P. 
Jones  of  Cincinnati,  was  the  principal  instrument 
in  this  meeting." 

Twelve  of  our  ministers  were  called  from  the  walls 
during  this  year. 

The  first  in  order  of  time,  was  George  A.  Geeting** 
He  departed  this  life  in  great  peace,  in  Washington 

*  This  was  a  son  of  George  A.  Guething,  or  Geeting,  who  was  co- 
temporary  with  Otterbein,  aud  died  in  1812,  see  page  129. 


1842  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  277 

county,  Md.,  on  the  5th  day  of  February;  aged  61 
years.  Father  Geeting  entered  the  ministry  when 
twenty-six  years  old,  and  continued  faithful  until 
called  home. 

David  Fleck  of  the  Allegheny  Conference,  died  ; 
<of  the  particulars  of  his  death,  we  have  no  account. 

Next  was  Christian  Knegy,  of  the  Muskingum 
Conference,  died  while  on  a  visit  to  his  friends  in 
Western  Ohio.  An  aged  veteran  of  the  cross,  lov- 
ed and  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  meek 
and  venerable  appearance,  spoke  favorably  upon 
the  minds  of  all  who  beheld  him.  The  precise  day 
of  his  death  is  not  given. 

Also,  Felix  Boicourt  of  the  Indiana,  and  A« 
Sparks  of  the  Wabash  Conference,  died  during  this 
year. 

John  Crider  of  the  Pennsylvania  Conference,  de- 
parted this  life,  June  17th,  in  the  seventy-seventh 
year  of  his  age.  He  embraced  religion  forty  years 
previous  to  his  death;  and  stood  as  a  minister  thirty- 
five  years. 

Brother  Stephen  Lillibridge  of  the  Sandusky  Con- 
ference, a  young,  pious  and  very  useful  minister, 
was  in  the  morning  of  life,  called  away.  But  few 
young  men  promise  fairer  than  he  did ;  but  the  Lord 
in  his  wisdom,  took  him. 

Next,  we  find  the  death  of  John  HufFer  of  the 
Virginia  Conference,  recorded.  He  died  in  the  sev- 
enty-second year  of  his  age.  He  entered  the  min- 
istry twenty-seven  years  previous  to  his  death,  and 


278  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1843 

was  said  to  be  a  faithful  servant  of  the  LorcL     The 
precise  day  of  his  death  is  not  given. 

John  Sands  of  the  Muskingum  Conference,  depar- 
ted this  life  August  27th,  in  the  29th  year  of  his 
age.  Had  traveled  two  years,  and  was  a  faithful 
youth. 

Peter  Bonebrake  departed  this  life,  September 
16th,  in  the  forty-eighth  year  of  his  age.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Miami  Conference. 

Henry  Metzger  of  the  Allegheny  Conference, 
departed  this  life  December  10th.  Adam  Noon  also 
died  February  26th, in  peace. 

This  year,  1842,  has  been  one  of  great  mortality 
among  the  preachers  of  the  Brethren  Church, 
Twelve  have  been  called  away  ;  some  in  the  morn- 
ing of  life,  and  others  far  advanced  in  years.  We 
now  enter  upon  the  year  1843. 

The  Virginia  Conference  met  at  Rohrersville,  Feb- 
ruary 14th.  Bishop  Erb  presided,  J..  J.  Glossbren- 
ner  chairman. 

Pennsylvania  met  in  FetterhofTs  Chapel,  Frank- 
lin county,  Pa.  J.  Erb  presided,  assisted  by  Samuel 
Hoover. 

Allegheny  convened  at  Liverpool,  Pa.,  March  3d . 
Bishop  Erb  presided,  assisted  by  J.  R.  Sitman. 

Muskingum  met  in  New  Rumley,  Harrison  county 
Ohio,  March  10th.  Bishop  J.  Coons  presided,  as- 
sisted by  A  Biddle. 

Scioto  convened  in  Ross  county,  Ohio,  April  3d. 
Bishop  Coons  presided,  assisted  by  E.  Vandemark. 

Miami  met    in   Germantown,   Ohio,  April  15th. 


I 
1843  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN  CHRIST.  279 

Brs.  Kumler  senior   and  junior,  Bishops,  presided. 

Sandusky  met  April  28th.  Bishop  Kumler  Jr., 
presided,  Jacob  Baulus  assistant.  Fifteen  appli- 
cants were  received  into  the  ministry  at  this  Confer- 
ence. 

Wabash  Conference  met  in  Millford,  Warren 
county,  Indiana,  May  12th.  Bishop  Kumler  Jr., 
presided,  F.  Kenoyer  chairman. 

In  the  minutes  of  this  Conference,  we  find  the  fol- 
lowing statement: 

"  There  has  been  a  net  increase  of  members  in 
this  Conference  district,  during  the  last  year,  of 
Two  thousand  one  hundred  and forty-four . 

This  Conference  also  passed  a  resolution,  that 
Bishop  Kumler  should  go  to  Iowa  next  spring,  and 
hold  a  conventional  meeting  with  the  Missionaries 
in  that  new  country. 

Indiana  met  in  Decatur  county,  Ia„  May  26th. 
II.  Kumler  Jr.,  presided,  H.  Bonebrake  assistant. 

During  this  year,  there  was  a  great  excitement 
in  the  nation,  known  as  "  The  Miller  excitement." 

An  old  gentleman,  familiarly  known  as  "Father 
Miller,"  had  for  a  year  or  two  past,  been  publishing 
that  the  world  would  come  to  an  end,  most  positively 
in  1843.  The  23d  day  of  May,  was  the  day  appoin- 
ted, when  the  second  coming  of  the  Saviour  was  to 
take  place.  Hundreds  and  thousands  were  led 
away  honestly,  by  this  delusion  —  neglecting  their 
daily  business — distributing  all  they  possessed, 
whether  in  money  or  property,  to  supply  the  wants 
of  the  poor;  and  pay  for  the  printing  and  distribu- 


280  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OP  1843 

ting  of  publications  on  that  subject.  Prior  to  the  day 
appointed,  hundreds  of  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia 
and  in  some  other  places,  tented  out  upon  the  com- 
mons and  in  the  groves,  to  witness  the  coming  of 
Christ.  The  auspicious  morning  rolled  round,  when 
the  tried  saints  were  to  put  on  immortal  bodies  ;  but 
lo,  the  sun  arose  and  set  as  usual,  and  the  hopes  of 
many  were  very  sadly  disappointed.  As  might  well 
be  expected,  some  of  the  members  of  the  Brethren 
Church  became  Millerites. 

There  has  been  a  considerable  amount  of  revival 
influence  manifested  during  this  year  ;  yet  perhaps 
not  so  great  as  last.  At  a  camp  meeting  in  Virgin- 
ia, there  were  some  reviving  times.  J.  B.  Houck 
makes  the  following  remarks: 

"  The  Lord  has  visited  our  camp-meetings.  At 
the  Rockingham  camp-meeting,"  he  says,  "upwards 
of  fifty  were  converted,  and  thirty-six  joined 
Church."  He  adds,  "  the  reason  why  we  do  not  in- 
crease more  rapidly  here,  is,  there  are  many  who 
claim  the  service  of  the  children  of  Ham,  and  we 
have  a  law  that  will  not  admit  such  in  our  Church. 
We  truly  admire  that  law,  and  believe  it  will  pre- 
serve the  piety  of  the  Church.  May  God  keep  us 
free  from  oppression  and  injustice." 

Brother  J.  Ritter,  in  speaking  of  a  camp-meeting 
in  Pennsylvania,  says: 

"  The  converted  and  reclaimed,  amounted  to  about 
sixty.  In  various  portions  of  the  general  work, 
Christ  was  honored  in  the  conversion  of  many  pre- 
cious souls." 


1843  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  281 

Since  the  establishment  of  Missionary  Societies 
in  the  different  Annual  Conferences,  the  work  has 
been  much  enlarged.  New  societies  were  formed, 
and  new  circuits  added  every  year. 

The  missionaries  are  penetrating  into  dark  and 
unoccupied  portions  of  the  country,  where  the  name 
of  United  Brethren  was  never  heard  of  before. 
God  is  giving  the  Church  favor  in  the  sight  of  the 
people. 

Two  of  our  aged   ministers  died  this  year,  to  wit: 

George  Patterson  departed  this  life,  August  22d, 
1843,  in  the  68th  year  of  his  age  —  was  said  to  be 
a  zealous  and  very  faithful  minister. 

Jacob  Winter,  departed  this  life,  October  the 
12th,  1843,  in  the  full  triumphs  of  living  faith,  in 
the  64th  year  of  bis  age.  He  was  born  in  Wash- 
ington county,  Pa.,  September  16th,  1780,  embraced 
religion  in  1801,  and  received  license  to  preach  in 
1808 — was  a  minister  in  the  Church  thirty-five 
years.  Father  Winter  was  a  pious  and  useful  man, 
and  much  beloved  b}r  his  brethren. 

A  great  contrast  is  presented  in  the  mortality  of 
our  preachers,  comparing  this  year  with  the  last. 
Last  year,  some  twelve  or  thirteen  were  removed  by 
death  —  a  number  of  whom  were  in  the  prime  of 
life,  and  had  but  just  entered  the  ministry.  This 
year  God  has  been  very  favorable  unto  Zion  in  this 
respect ;  two  only  having  died. 


'282  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER  IX. 


FROM  JANUARY  1344,  TO  MAY  1845. 


Conferences  of  1844 — The.  work  in  Iowa  — Death  of  Neiding,  Sutton 
Flickinger,  Bash  and  Bowser —  Conferences  of  1845  —  Death  of 
Jesse  Wilson. 

This  year,  we  shall  only  have  space  to  give  a 
mere  sketch  of  the  different  Annual  Conferences,  as 
we  did  last.  To  go  beyond  this,  as  a  general 
thing,  would  swell  the  work  beyond  our  prescribed 
limits.  Next  year,  we  shall  give  a  more  general  de- 
tail, with  the  net  increase  for  the  five  preceding 
years. 

Nine  Annual  Conferences  were  held  in  1844. 

The  first  in  order  of  time,  was  the  Virginia,  which 
met  at  Churchville,  Augusta  county,  Va.,  February 
6th.  Bishop  Erb  presided,  assisted  by  W.  R.  Cour- 
sey.  Five  applicants  received  on  probation.  J.  B. 
Ilouck  and  J.  Markwood  were  elected  Presiding  El- 
ders. 

Pennsylvania  met  in  Snoop's  Church,  Cumber- 
land county,  Pa.,  February  --ilst.  J.  Erb  presided, 
assisted  by  J.  Russel.  Conference  records  the  death 
of  two  ministers,  John  Neiding  and  James  Sutton. 
Henry  Staub,  Peter  Bitzel  and  J.  A.  Sand,  were  or- 
dained. Ten  received  on  probation  C.  Light  and 
John  Russel,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 


1844  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  283 

Allegheny  met  in  Mt.  Pleasant,  Pa.,  March  4th. 
Bishop  Coons  presided,  assisted  by  Harmonious  Ow. 
Six  applicants  received  on  probation.  J.  J.  Huber, 
J.  Crumling  and  John  Sypher,  were  ordained. 

Indiana  met  in  Franklin  county,  Indiana,  March 
7th.  Bishops  Kumler  Sen.,  and  Junior,  presided. 
Nine  received  on  probation,  and  seven  were  ordain- 
ed. J.  McCallen,  W.  Steward  andD.  Stover,  were 
elected  Presiding  Elders. 

Muskingum  met  in  Rochester,  Stark  county,  Ohio, 
March  21st.  Bishop  Coons  presided,  James  Mc- 
Gavv  chairman.  Nine  received  on  probation,  and 
five  were  ordained. 

Wabash  met  at  New  Salem,  Montgomery  county, 
la.,  March  21st.  Bishop  Kumler  Jr.,  presided,  F. 
Kenoyer  chairman.  Ten  received  on  probation, 
and  seven  ordained. 

Scioto  met  in  Etna,  Ohio,  March  29th.  Bishop 
Coons  presided,  assisted  by  E.  Vandemark.  Nine 
were  received  on  probation,  and  five  ordained.  The 
death  of  Jacob  Alspach  and  Jacob  Winter,  were  en- 
tered on  the  minutes. 

Sandusky  met  in  Sandusky  county,  Ohio,  April 
4th.  Bishop  Kumler  Jr.,  presided,  J.  Baulus  and  IL 
G.  Spayth,  chairmen.  Four  received  on  probation, 
and  five  were  ordained. 

Miami  convened  in  Lewisburg,  Ohio,  April  18th. 
H.  Kumler  Sen.,  J.  Coons  and  H.  Kumler  Jr.,  were 
all  present.  Nine  were  received  on  probation. 
The  death  of  C.  Shearer  and  Jacob  Flickinger,  were 
entered  on  the  journal. 


284  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1844 

Iowa,  branch  of  Wabash,  met  in  Columbus  City, 
Iowa,  May  20th.  Bishop  Kumler  Jr.,  presided. 
M.  Garrison,  D.  C.  Barrows  and  I.  B.  Ryan,  were 
received  on  probation. 

The  great  distance  that  the  brethren  in  Iowa,  were 
from  the  usual  place  of  meeting  of  the  Wabash 
Conference,  to  which  they  regularly  belonged,  made 
it  really  necessary  that  they  should  have  a  meeting 
among  themselves,  wTest  of  the  Mississippi.  Indeed 
the  year  previous,  they  held  a  counsel  among  them- 
selves, and  located  several  missions,  and  by  mutual 
consent,  supplied  them  with  laborers.  Many  breth- 
ren from  the  Eastern  States,  had  moved  west,  and 
settled  in  various  portions  of  the  Territory.  Their 
calls  were  incessant  for  the  gospel  to  be  sent  among 
them.  At  this  Conference,  there  were  three  general 
missionary  fields  of  labor,  as  follows: 

The  southern  mission  was  located  between  the 
Desmoin  and  Skunk  Rivers.  The  next  upon  the 
north,  was  located  between  Skunk  and  Iowa  Rivers; 
and  the  northern  mission  was  located  north  of  the 
Iowa  River,  and  extended  some  sixty  miles  up  the 
Mississippi,  and  back  into  the  interior,  from  forty  to 
fifty  miles.  Christian  Troup  and  John  Everhart, 
were  to  superintend  the  work.  At  this  time,  there 
were  seven  regular  preachers  reported  as  belonging 
to  this  convention.  They  were  all  present,  names  as 
follows: 


J.  Everhart, 
J.  Denham, 
D»  Shafer. 


C.Troup,  A.  A.  Seller, 

J.  Burns,  F.  R.  S.  Byrd, 


1844  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  285 

G.  S.  Clingan  received  by  transfer,  and  three  ap- 
plicants received  as  above  specified. 

About  three  hundred  members  were  found  scatter- 
ed through  the  Territory. 

J.  Neiding  of  Dauphin  county,  Pa.,  departed  this 
life,  January  11th,  1844,  in  the  seventy-ninth  year 
of  his  age. 

Father  Neiding  was  a  preacher  of  the  gospel  in 
the  Brethren  Church,  for  fifty-three  years.  He  was 
raised  and  educated  in  accordance  with  the  strict 
morality  of  the  Mcnnonitc  Society  of  which  he  be- 
came a  member  in  early  life  ;  and  distinguished 
himself  by  talent  and  strict  observance  to  the  relig- 
ion he  professed.  He  was,  soon  after  his  connection 
with  the  Mennonite  Society,  elected  by  lot,  to  the  of- 
fice of  preacher.  Shortly  after,  he  was  made  to  feel 
the  necessity  of  a  change  of  heart,  and  he  rested 
not,  until  he  found  peace.  This  state  of  things  soon 
drove  him  from  his  old  home.  He  attended,  and 
united  with  the  Brethren,  at  the  second  Conference 
held  by  Otterbein  and  others,  in  York  county  Pa., 
1791.  His  name  still  stands  in  the  discipline,  as  a 
member  of  that  Conference.  * 

Father  James  Sutton  of  the  Pennsylvania  Con- 
ference, died  during  this  year,  though  the  precise 
day  is  not  given.  He  was  said  to  be  a  pious  and 
devoted  christian. 

Jacob  Flickinger  departed  this  life,  March  29th,  in 
the  sixty-third  year  of  his  age.     He  embraced  relig- 

*  For  a  more  detailed  account,  see  page  75,  first  part/ 


286  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1845 

ion  at  the  age  of  thirty-two,  and  shortly  after,  re- 
ceived license  to  preach.  Was  united  in  marriage 
with  Hannah  Kumler,  eldest  daughter  of  H.  Kum- 
ler  Sen.  This  relation  continued  for  thirty  years. 
His  labors  were  in  the  German  language.  The 
Lord  had  blessed  father  Flickinger  with  much  of 
this  world's  goods,  and  he  proved  himself  to  be  a 
faithful  steward.  His  last  dying  request  to  one  of 
his  sons  was,  that  his  children  "  be  sure  and  be  good 
to  the  poor" 

John  Bash  Sen.,  of  the  Muskingum  Conference, 
departed  this  life,  July  23d,  in  the  fifty-fifth  year  of 
his  age.  Thirty  years  a  member,  and  sixteen  years 
a  preacher  in  the  Brethren  Church. 

John  Bowser,  died  August  5th ;  aged  fifty-seven 
years  —  died  on  his  birth- day.  He  stood  as  a  min- 
ister in  the  Church  for  twenty-two  years. 

Prior  to  his  death,  he  made  provisions  in  his  will, 
for  the  continuation  of  the  same  liberality  in  the 
support  of  the  gospel  which  he  manifested  in  life ; 
and  gave  special  direction  to  his  children,  to  remem- 
ber the  poor.  Father  Bowser's  greatness  consisted 
mainly,  in  his  goodness . 

The  thread  of  our  history  brings  us  down  to  the 
commencement  of  the  year  1845. 

One  General,  and  nine  Annual  Conferences  were 
held  in  the  spring  of  this  year. 

The  time  of  meeting  of  five  of  the  Conferences, 
was  changed  from  Spring  to  Fall  —  consequently 
there  were  five  more  sessions  held  in  the  Fall  of  this 
same  year. 


1845  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  287 

The  Virginia  convened  at  Jerusalem  Church, 
Middletown  Valley,  Md.,  February  3d.  Bishops 
Erb  and  Kumler,  Jr. ,  were  present.  Thirty-seven 
preachers  reported,  and  eight  circuits.  J.  Mark- 
wood  and  W.  R.  Coursey,  were  elected  Presiding 
Elders . 

Pennsylvania  met  in  Highspire,  Dauphin  county, 
February  12th.  Bishops  Erb  and  Kumler  presided. 
Eighty-three  ministers  reported  —  twenty-one  charg- 
es. The  death*  of  John  DayhofF  was  entered  upon 
.the  journal.  J.  Russel,  C.  Perley  and  John  Light, 
were  elected  Presiding  Elders . 

Allegheny  met  in  Shellsburg,  Bedford  county,  Pa., 
February  29th.     Bishops  Kumler  Jr.,  and  Erb  presi 
ded.     Forty-seven  members  of  Conference  reported 

—  fifteen  charges.  James  Gibson  member  of  this 
Conference,  died  during  the  year.     J.  L.  Baker  and 

J .  Wallace,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders . 

Muskingum  met  in  Salesville,  Guernsey  county, 
Ohio,  March  13th.  Bishop  Coons  presided,  assis- 
ted by  A.  Biddle.  Sixty-two  preachers  reported  — 
twenty-three  charges,  consisting  of  circuits,  stations 
and  missions.      Seven  were  received  on  probation. 

Indiana  met  in  Georgetown,  Floyd  county,  la. 
March  13th.  Bishop  Kumler  Jr.,  presided,  assisted 
by  Wm.  Steward.     Sixty-seven  members  reported 

—  nineteen  charges,  and  nine  applicants  received 
into  the  ministry.  D.  Stover  and  L.  S.  Chittenden 
were  elected  Presiding  Elders . 

Miami  met  in  Warren  county,  Ohio,  March  26th. 
Henry  Kumler  Sen.,  and    Henry  Kumler  Jr.,  Bish- 


288  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1845 

ops,  presided,  J.    Hoffman   assisting.     Eighty-two 
ministers  reported  —  twenty-two  charges. 

Scioto  met  in  Highland  county,  April  3d .  Bishop 
Coons  presided.  Sixty-seven  members  reported  — 
twenty  charges,  including  circuits,  stations  and  mis- 
sions. Three  were  received  on  probation.  Con- 
ference recorded  the  death  of  Jesse  Wilson,  who 
departed  this^life  the  30th  of  January  last,  with  strong 
faith  in  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  J.  Montgomery, 
D .  Edwards  and  M.  Ambrose,  were  elected  Presiding 
Elders. 

Wabash  met  at  Concord,  Tippecanoe  county,  la., 
April  11th.  Bishop  Kumler  Sen.,  presided,  assist- 
ed by  J.  Slonecker.  Seventy-five  members  repor- 
ted —  thirty-three  charges  —  eleven  applicants  re- 
ceived on  probation. 

This  Conference  resolved  to  hold  its  next  session 
in  the  fall  —  say  in  six  months  from  its  present  sit- 
ting. 

Sandusky  met  at  Monclovia,  Lucas  county,  Ohio, 
April  28th.  There  was  no  bishop  in  attendance  ; 
H.  G.  Spayth  was  elected  Bishop  pro  tern,  and 
George  Hiskey  to  assist.  Sixty-one  preachers  re- 
ported —  thirteen  charges .  S .  Long  and  Jeremiah 
Brown,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

Ten  years  ago,  there  were  twenty-five  preachers 
and  five  circuits  belonging  to  the  last   named  Con- 
ference.     At  the  above   named  session,  there   were 
sixty-one   preachers  and  thirteen   charges.     More 
than  doubled  in  ten  years 


1845  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    fN    CHRIST.  289 

RECAPITULATION     OF     NUMBERS. 

Conferences.  Preachers.  Circuits. 

Pennsylvania, 83  21 

Virginia, 37  8 

Allegheny, 47  15 

Muskingum, 62  23 

Sandusky, 61  13 

Scioto, 67  20 

Miami, 82  22 

Indiana, 67  19 

Wabash, 75  33 

Total  for  1845, 581  180 

Total  for  1840,. 387  90 

Increase  in  5  years, 194  90 

Here  we  have  an  increase  of  fifty  per  cent,  in  five 

years,  in  the  ministry,  and  one  hundred  per  cent  in 
the  circuits. 

20 


290  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER    X. 


FROM  MAY  1845,   TO  JANUARY  1846. 


General  Conference  of  1845  —  Four  Conferences  set  off —  Conferen- 
ces of  1845  —  Revivals  —  Holiness. 

We  commence  this  chapter  with  the  proceedings 
of  the  ninth  General  Conference  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church,  which  convened  in  Circleville, 
May  10th,  1845.  H.  Kumler  Sen.,  J.  Coons  and 
H.   Kumler  Jr.,  Bishops,  were  the  presiding  officers. 

The  names  of  delegates  were  called,  and  enrolled 
as  follows,  viz: 

*  Pennsylvania  Conference  —  J.  Russel. 
Virginia     Conference  —  J .    J .    Glossbrenner,   J . 

Markwood,  J.    Bechtel. 

Allegheny  Conference — J.  R.  Sitman,  Jacob  Rit- 
ter,  J.  Rider. 

Muskingum  Conference  —  A.  Biddle,  James  Mc- 
Gaw,  W.  W.  Simpkins. 

Scioto  Conference — E.  Vandemark,  J.  Montgom- 
ery, M.  Ambrose. 

Sandusky  Conference  —  H.  G.  Spayth,  G.  Hiskey, 
J.  Brown. 

Miami  Conference —  G.  Bonebrake,  J.  Crider, 
F.    Whitcom. 

*  Simon  Dresbach  and  J.  S.  Kessler,  were  absent. 


1845  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  29 1 

Indiana  Conference  —  Henry  Bonebrake,  Jos .  A . 
Bail,  —  one  absent. 

Wabash  Conference — J.  Hoobler,  Josiah  Davis,  J. 
Denham. 

H.  G.  Spayth  and  J.  Montgomery,  were  elected 
Secretaries  ;  and  Conference  proceeded  to  business . 

A  petition  from  Indiana  Conference,  was  presen- 
ted to  the  General  Conference,  remonstrating  against 
any  change  being  made  in  the  discipline  on  the  doc- 
trine of  depravity.  The  reader  is  hereby  informed, 
that  for  the  last  year,  there  had  been  quite  a  contro- 
versy through  the  columns  of  the  Telescope,  upon 
the  subject  of  depravity.  There  were  a  portion  of 
the  ministers  and  members  of  the  Church,  who  held 
to  a  partial  depravity  only —  that  man  had  still  left 
within  himself,  a  portion  of  ability  to  help  himself 
—  to  do  good  ;  that  children  were  not  depraved  — 
they  were  holy  :  while  a  large  majority  held,  that 
man  had  no  ability  of  his  own  to  do  good,  at  all ; 
that  the  preparation  of  the  heart  and  the  answer  of 
the  tongue,  were  from  God  ;  that  man  left  to  him- 
self, would  in  every  instance,  and  under  all  circum- 
stances, walk  in  paths  of  rebellion  against  his  Ma- 
ker ;  that  having  lost  the  divine  image,  the  feelings 
and  inclinations  of  his  heart,  were  bent  on  evil,  and 
that  continually.  At  this  General  Conference,  a 
test  question  was  gotten  up  for  the  purpose  of  set- 
tling the  controversy.  It  was  accordingly  moved, 
that  the  term  "depravity,"  on  the  19th  page  of  dis- 
cipline, be  stricken  out.  This  brought  the  subject 
pretty  fairly  before    Conference  ;  and   after   some 


292  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1845 

considerable   debate,  the  yeas  and  nays  were  called, 
which  resulted  as  follows: 

Yeas,  6,  Nays  26. 

This  of  course,  settled  the  question  fully  in  favor 
of  man's  utter  helplessness  within  himself;  so  far 
as  the  Church  is  concerned. 

The  Telescope  Office  was  reported  as  being  in  a 
prosperous  condition,  with  a  subscription  list  of  a 
little  above  three  thousand,  and  net  proceeds  from 
the  last  year,  of  twelve  hundred  dollars . 

The  business  of  the  Telescope  Office  was  next 
considered,  and  upon  mature  deliberation,  it  was 
thought  that  the  interest  of  the  Church,  called  for  a 
weekly  issue,  instead  of  a  semi-monthly ;  con- 
sequently, it  was  ordered  that  the  paper  be  changed 
to  a  weekly  issue. 

The  Conference  re-appointed  J.  Dresbach,  G. 
Dresbach  and  Wm.  Leist,  Trustees  of  the  Teles- 
cope Office,  for  the  next  four  years.  D.  Edwards 
was  elected  Editor. 

At  this  Conference,  H.  G.  Spayth  was  appointed 
to  write  a  history  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  the 
United  Brethren  Church. 

Conference  next  went  into  an  election  of  Bishops 
to  serve  the  ensuing  four  years.  Whereupon,  John 
Russel,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner  and  Wm.  Hanby,  were 
duly  elected.  Officers  were  appointed  for  the 
"  Foreign  and  Frontier  Missionary  Society,"  as  fol- 
lows: 

J .  Russel,  President . 


1845  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  293 

J.J.  Glossbrenner,  Wm.  Hanby,  Vice  Presidents. 

J.  Montgomery,  Secretary. 

J.   Dresbach,  Treasurer. 

Geo.  Dresbach,  Wm.  Leist,  E.  Vandemark,  Mana- 
gers. 

The  next  General  Conference  was  to  be  held  in 
Germantown,  Montgomery  county,  Ohio,  to  convene 
the  ,  second  Monday  in  May,  1849  ;  after  a  vote 
of  thanks  to  the  citizens  of  Circlevilie,  the  session 
was  closed. 

East  Pennsylvania,  Illinois,  St.  Joseph  and  Iowa 
Annual  Conferences,  were  set  off,  and  a  provision 
made  for  Indiana  to  be  divided,  if  the  members 
thought  best,  at  their  next  meeting.  The  Iowa,  Il- 
linois, Wabash,  St.  Joseph  and  the  Scioto  all  met  in 
the  fall  of  this  same  year.  This  measure  (of  a  fall 
session,)  was  adopted  on  account  of  the  great  incon- 
venience of  traveling  in  the  West  in  the  spring  of  the 
year.  The  muddy  roads  and  high  waters,  were 
very  often  great  hindrances  to  a  western  traveler. 

Accordingly,  the  Iowa  Conference  held  its  first 
regular  session  at  Wm.  Thompson's,  Louisacounty, 
Iowa  Territory,  August  14th,  1845.  Bishop  Russel 
presided.     There  were  present  at  the  organization, 

Christian  Troup,  A.  A.  Zeller, 

F.  R.  S.  Byrd,  Jacob  Miller, 

George  S.  Clingan,  D.  C.  Barrows, 
LB.  Ryan. 

MEMBERS  ABSENT. 

J.  Everhart,  I      John  Burns, 

D.   Shafer,  Moses  Garrison. 


294  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1845 

The  work  was  divided  into  two  Presiding  Elder 
districts,  and  nine  missions. 

Illinois  Conference  held  its  first  session  at  Lexing- 
ton, McLean  county,  111.,  August  28th.  Bishop 
Russel  presided,  assisted  by  J.  Denham.  Eleven 
members  present  at  the  organization  —  eight  were 
received  on  probation.  This  Conference  was  divi- 
ded into  three  Elder  districts,  and  fifteen  circuits  and 
missions. 

Wabash  Conference  met  in  Vermillion  county,  la., 
September  5th.  Bishop  Russel  presided,  J.  Davis 
chairman.  Fifty  ministers  were  still  reported  as 
belonging  to  this  Conference ;  and  twelve  charges, 
consisting  of  circuits  and  missions.  J.  Hoobler 
and  J.  P.  Shuey,  were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 

St.  Joseph  Conference  held  its  first  session  in 
North  Manchester,  la.,  September  the  18th.  On 
account  of  Bishop  Russel's  illness,  he  was  not  able 
to  get  to  this  Conference;  consequently,  J.  M.  Her- 
shey  was  elected  Bishop  pro  tern,  andE.  H.  Lamb 
to  assist.  There  were  nineteen  preachers  belong- 
ing to  this  Conference  at  its  organization.  Two  El- 
der districts,  and  twelve  circuits  and  missions. 

This  Conference  at  its  first  session,  organized  a 
"  Home  Missionary  Society,"  —  adopted  a  con- 
stitution, and  appeared  to  be  determined  to  labor 
faithfully  to  cultivate  Immanuel's  land. 

The  reader  will  bear  in  mind,  that  the  Iowa,  Illi- 
nois and  St.  Joseph  Conferences,  were  all  set  off 
from  the  Wabash  Conference  at  the  General  Con- 
ference in  May  last.     Ten   years  ago,  the  Wabash 


1845  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  295 

Conference  held  its  first  session.  Thirteen  preach- 
ers belonged  at  that  time,  and  six  circuits  were  under 
its  care.  Now  the  four  together,  which  have  all 
grown  out  of  the  one  in  ten  years,  number  ninety- 
nine  preachers,  and  forty-eight  charges.  Surely 
God  is  with  us  in  mercy  and  great  goodness . 

Scioto  Conference  met  at  Otterbein  Chapel,  Per- 
ry county,  Ohio,  October  9th.  J.  Russel  and  Wm. 
Hanby  presided.  It  being  only  six  months  since 
this  Conference  held  its  last  session,  there  was  no 
very  important  business  transacted.  Lewis  Davis 
and  J.  Montgomery  were  elected  Presiding  Elders. 
There  has  been  no  deaths  in  the  ministry  in  any  of 
the  five  Conferences  held  this  fall  —  there  being  a 
great  amount  of  sickness  in  the  West,  notwithstand- 
ing. 

This  year  was  replete  with  revivals  of  religion  in 
almost  every  portion  of  the  Church.  With  this  year 
too,  may  be  dated  a  very  interesting  reformation. in 
the  Church.  Many  prominent  members  and  minis- 
ters, had  felt  for  years,  the  necessity  of  higher 
attainments  in  a  divine  life.  They  longed  for  a  per- 
fect deliverance  from  the  carnal  mind — a  perfect 
victory  through  the  merits  of  Christ,  over  a  natu- 
rally selfish  and  corrupt  heart.  True,  all  prayed 
for  the  perfection  of  their  natures,  to  be  cleansed 
from  all  unrighteousness  ;  but  while  they  thus  pray- 
ed, they  did  not  have  definite  faith  to  believe,  that 
God  was  just  as  ready  to  give  them  the  great  bless- 
ing now,  as  at  any  future  period .  They  prayed  to 
be  sanctified  —  but  that  work  was  to  be  ^performed 


296  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1845 

gradually  —  perhaps  just  before  death,  God  would 
come  and  complete  the  work.  But  few  really1  enjoy- 
ed a  glorious  fullness,  in  an  entire  consecration  to 
the  will  of  God.  We  repeat  it,  there  were  but  few 
who  professed  a  full,  a  present  and  a  perfect  victo- 
ry over  sin  and  self.  Surely,  if  it  is  our  privilege  to 
pray  for  victory  over  any  one  besetting  sin,  and  ex- 
pect success,  it  is  equally  our  privilege  to  pray  for 
victory  over  every  sin,  and  expect  a  satisfactory  an- 
swer. If  the  work  is  to  be  accomplished  by  works, 
then  may  we  well  work  on  ;  but  if  it  is  by  faith  in 
the  merits  of  Christ,  these  merits  are  as  available  to 
day,  as  at  any  future  period  ;  and  as  faith  is  made 
the  condition,  why  not  as  well  exercise  faith  now,  as 
at  any  future  time  ?  But  while  we  thus  speak,  it  is 
but  just  to  say,  that  the  doctrine  of  holiness  may  be 
traced  back  to  the  early  fathers  in  the  Church.  We 
will  give  one  or  two  quotations  from  Father  New- 
comer's journal: 

"  So  I  went  on  alternately,  sometimes  happy,  at 
other  times  not  so  ;  at  times  full  of  spirit  and  cour- 
age, at  other  times  disheartened ;  but  whenever  I 
had  a  longing  desire  to  find  Jesus  precious  to  my 
soul,  he  would  manifest  himself  to  me,  by  blessing 
me ;  then  I  was  ready  to  do  and  suffer  for  Jesus7 
sake  all  things.  *  *  *  In  this  manner  I  went 
on  for  some  time,  believing  it  to  be  the  will  of  God 
concerning  me,  to  enter  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven 
through  severe  trials  and  manifold  tribulations  ;  how- 
ever, my  opinion  was  soon  changed  on  this  point,  for 
reading,  '  The  kingdom  of .  God  is  not  meat  or  drink, 


1845  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  297 

but  righteousness,  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.* 
I  concluded  with  the  poet: 


"  Why  should  the  children  of  a  King, 
Go  mourning  all  their  days?" 


So  I  determined  by  grace  divine,  to  obtain  that  per- 
fectlove  which  casteth  out  fear;  and  is  able  to  rejoice 
in  tribulation,  and  say,  '  Although  thou  slay  me,  yet 
will  I  praise  thee.'  "  —  Journal,  p.  12. 

"  This  morning  my  poor  soul  is  drawn  out  in  pray- 
er to  God,  for  sanctifying  power.  O  !  Lord,  impart 
into  my  soul,  thy  nature  and  thy  perfect  love."  — 
page  232. 

From  these  two  passages,  it  is  very  evident  that 
Father  Newcomer,  his  well  known  piety  notwith- 
standing, longed  and  prayed  for  a  deeper  —  more 
thorough  and  glorious  work  of  grace  in  his  heart. 
He  reached  forward  with  anxious  faith  for  the  prize 
of  perfect  love.  He  desired  to  be  enabled  to  rejoice 
always ,  and  in  every  thing  to  give  thanks: 

At  the  close  of  1844,  and  during  the  year  1845, 
many  of  our  people  professed  to  have  obtained  this 
glorious  rest  —  this  freedom  from  selfish  and  anx- 
ious cares  ;  and  to  be  able  to  feast  as  bountifully  at 
a  table  spread  with  bitter  herbs,  as  though  it  was 
spread  with  the  dainties  of  earth. 

The  author  cannot  close  this  chapter,  without  en- 
tering his  own  testimony,  experimentally,  to  the 
truth  of  the  above  position.  For  some  fourteen 
years  of  the  early  part  of  his  christian  experience, 
his  path  was  rough  and  very  thorny.     Some  times 


298  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1845 

up,  and  sometimes  down ;  sometimes  miserable,  and 
sometimes  very  happy ;  sometimes  very  willing  to 
preach  and  suffer  all  the  will  of  God,  and  sometimes 
very  unwilling  to  do  either ;  sometimes  felt  as  though 
he  could  preach  pretty  well,  and  at  other  times  so 
discouraged  in  view  of  his  feeble  efforts,  that  he 
would  be  tempted  never  to  try  to  preach  again.  In 
the  fall  of  1844,  after  about  three  months  hard  strug- 
gling with  head  and  heart,  (being  hitherto  a  disbe- 
liever in  the  doctrine  of  sanctification,)  he  by  sim- 
ple, naked,  living,  child-like  faith,  consecrated  his  all 
to  God.  Since  that  time,  he  has  enjoyed  a  constant 
peace,  a  sea  of  glory  unknown  before.  May  all 
who  love  the  Lord  Jesus,  enter  into  this  rest :  Amen, 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  299 


CHAPTER   XL 


FROM  JANUARY  1846,  TO  JANUARY  1847. 


Conferences  of  1846  —  Otterbein  University  —  The  German  Teles- 
cope —  Great  Church  trial  in  Baltimore —  An  anecdote  concerning 
J.  Russel. 

Twelve  Annual  Conferences  were  held  during  this 
year,  1846.  A  mere  sketch  of  their  sittings,  may 
suffice  for  this  chapter,  as  some  other  things  will  de- 
mand our  attention. 

Virginia  met  in  Shenandoah  county,  Va.,  Febru- 
ary 6th.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided.  Two 
missions  received,  Westminster  and  Lewis. 

Pennsylvania  met  at  Springville,  Pa.,  February 
20th.  Bishops  Glossbrenner  and  Russel  presided. 
This  Conference  met  in  its  original  form,  but  sepa- 
rated before  the  preachers  were  stationed  in  accor- 
dance with  the  act  of  last  General  Conference. 
The  two  Conferences  will  hereafter  be  known,  as 
Pennsylvania  and  East  Pennsylvania  Conference. 
The  East  Pennsylvania  Conference  had  nine  charges, 
with  C.  Pefley  and  C.  Light  Presiding  Elders.  The 
Pennsylvania  Conference  had  thirteen  charges,  and 
J.  Russel  Presiding  Elder. 

Three  ministers  of  this  Conference  departed  this 
life  since  last  session  —  John  Light,  John  Wenger 
and  J.  Snider. 


300  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1846 

Indiana  met  in  Bartholomew  county,  la.,  February 
30th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided,  J.  A.  Ball  to  assist. 
This  Conference  in  accordance  with  a  provision  of 
the  General  Conference,  divided  itself  into  two  por- 
tions North  and  South.  The  Southern  portion  to 
retain  the  name  of  Indiana,  and  the  Northern  por- 
tion to  be  called  the  White  River  Conference.  D. 
Stover  and  W.  W.  Richardson  were  Presiding  El- 
ders of  the  North,  and  L.  S.  Chittenden  of  the 
South . 

Allegheny  met  in  Mifflin  county,  Pa. ,  March  2d. 
Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  J.  R.  Sitman  chair- 
man. Peter  S warts,  a  member  of  this  Conference, 
died  this  year. 

Miami  met  March  5th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided, 
assisted  by  fathers  Kumler  and  Hoffman.  I.  V.  D. 
Robertson  died  during  the  past  Conference  year. 

Sandusky  met  near  Melmore,  Ohio,  March  13th. 
Wm.  Hanby  presided,  assisted  by  S.  Long.  This 
Conference  reports  for  the  first  time,  two  thousand 
six  hundred  and  twelve  members  belonging  to  the 
Church.     S.  F.  Hadley  died  during  the  past  year. 

Muskingum  met  at  the  Crooked  Run  Meeting- 
house, on  Monday,  March  23d.  Wm.  Hanby  pre- 
sided, assisted  by  A.  Biddle.  Two  members  of  this 
Conference  died.  S.  C.  Briggs  departed  this  life 
December  21st,  1845  ;  aged  sixty-two  years — was  a 
professor  of  religion  forty-two  years,  the  greater 
part  of  which  time  was  spent  in  the  ministry.  The 
same  week  he  left  for  the  land  of  glory,  he  preached 


1846  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN  CHRIST.  301 

five  sermons.     Joseph  Mathenydied:  aged  forty 
six  years. 

Iowa  met  at  Columbus  City,  Iowa  Territory,  Au- 
gust 31st.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  J.  Ever- 
hart  assisted. 

Illinois  met  at  Spring  Grove,  Green  county,  Wis- 
consin Territory,  September  14th.  Bishop  Gloss- 
brenner presided,  J.  Denham  assisted. 

Wabash  met  in  Vigo  county,  la.,  September  28th. 
Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  J.  Hoobler  chairman. 
David  Fawcett  and  Alexander  Long,  departed  this 
life  during  the  past  Conference  year. 

St,  Joseph  met  in  Kosciusko  county,  la. ,  October 
12th.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  F.  Whitcom 
assisted. 

Scioto  met  at  Bethlehem  Church,  Pickaway  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  October  26th.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  pre- 
sided, E.  Vandemark  assistant  chairman. 

For  many  years,  the  Church  had  deeply  felt  the 
necessity  of  having  schools  of  good  and  religious 
character  established,  to  which  the  youth  might  go 
and  receive  a  thorough  education,  blended  with  mor- 
al and  religious  training,  under  the  influence  and  in 
accordance  with  the  doctrines  and  usages  of  the 
Brethren  Church.  The  want  of  some  such  places, 
had  caused  many  of  our  young  people,  to  seek  an 
education  without  the  pales  of  the  Church  ;  and  un- 
der such  circumstances  as  rendered  the  education 
thus  obtained,  a  curse  rather  than  a  blessing  ;  for  be 
it  known,  that  education  like  the  influences  of  the 
blessed  gospel  itself,  will  prove  a  blessing  or  a  curse. 


302  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1846 

While  it  is  a  source  of  great  good,  it  may  be  the 
instrument  of  great  harm.  This  want  had  been 
deplored  by  many  —  brethren  had  talked  and  writ- 
ten on  the  subject —  Conferences  had  passed  reso- 
lutions favorable,  and  a  large  portion  of  the  Church 
was  very  desirous  to  see  some  efficient  action. 

At  the  last  session  of  the  Scioto  Annual  Confer- 
ence, a  delegation  from  the  M.  E.  Church  at  Wes- 
terville,  Ohio,  attended,  and  proposed  to  sell  to  the 
United  Brethren,  "  The  Blendon  Young  Men's  Sem- 
inary," located  in  the  above  named  village.  A  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  consider  the  propositions 
made,  and  report  to  Conference.  Said  committee 
reported  favorably,  and  advised  the  appointment  of 
three  Trustees,  clothed  with  authority  to  purchase 
the  establishment.  The  buildings  consisted  of  one 
three  story  brick  building,  28  by  66  feet,  the  two 
lower  stories  finished  ;  the  other  a  two  story  frame, 
well  finished,  26  by  44  feet,  with  a  bell  —  the 
whole  standing  on  a  beautiful  square  of  eight  acres 
of  rich  soil,  together  with  a  library  of  three  hun- 
dred volumes,  &c,  all  of  which  was  offered  upon  very 
reasonable  terms.  The  Conference  appointed  Wm. 
Hanby,  Jonathan  Dresbach  and  Lewis  Davis,  Trus- 
tees for  the  purchase  of  said  property,  and  at  the 
same  time,  respectfully  solicited  the  co-operation  of 
Muskingum  and  Sandusky  Annual  Conferences,  in 
the  purchase  and  supporting  of  said  institution. 

We  will  here  anticipate  the  chronological  order 
of  our  history,  and  trace  this  school  beyond  the 
present  period. 


1846  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  303 

In  November  following,  the  Trustees  appointed, 
closed  a  bargain  with  the  Trustees  of  "  the  Blendon 
Young  Men's  Seminary,"  by  taking  a  bond  and 
giving  obligations  for  the  payment  thereof.  On  the 
25th  of  April,  1847,  the  Trustees  met,  and  made  the 
first  payment  on  the  property,  and  made  arrange- 
ments to  commence  school  in  the  fall.  The  name 
was  changed  to  *'  Otterbein  University."  Septem- 
ber the  1st,  the  first  session  of  the  Otterbein  Uni- 
versity commenced  with  eight  or  nine  students  only. 
W.  R.  Griffith  Principal,  Lewis  Davis  Resident  and 
General  Agent.  The  school  has  been  in  progress 
up  to  the  present  time,  1851.  Some  years  it  quit 
expenses,  and  others  it  fell  short  considerably.  At 
the  present  time,  its  prospects  are  more  flattering 
than  at  any  previous  period.  We  should  have  re- 
marked, that  the  Sandusky  and  the  Muskingum 
Conferences,  have  both  united,  and  are  in  connection 
with  the  Scioto  Conference,  the  joint  owners  of  the 
school.  We  shall  now  return  to  the  regular  order 
of  our  history  as  to  time. 

A  German  Paper.  —  On  the  first  day  of  October, 
1846,  a  German  Paper  was  issued  at  the  Telescope 
Office,  Circleville,  Ohio,  bearing  the  title,  "  German 
Telescope,"  a  semi-monthly  publication,  at  $1  per 
annum.     N.  Altman  Editor. 

It  is  proper  to  remark  here,  that  this  was  not  the 
first  effort  made  by  the  Church,  to  publish  a  paper 
in  the  German  language. 

In  the  spring  of  1840,  J.  Russel,  resident  for  the 
time  being,  of  the  city  of  Baltimore,  encouraged  by 


304  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1846 

many  of  his  friends,  issued  a  semi-monthly  sheet, 
with  the  title  of  "  Busy  Martha,"  the  first  number 
bearing  date  of  March  7th,  1840.  For  some 
cause  unknown  to  the  author,  its  publication  was 
suspended  May  20th,  1841.  The  General  Confer- 
ence of  this  same  month  and  year,  resolved  to  es- 
tablish a  German  paper  in  the  city  of  Baltimore, 
Md.,  and  accordingly  appointed  J.  Russel,  Cornelius 
Staily  and  H.  Weighand,  Trustees,  and  Jacob  Erb 
Editor.  By  this  arrangement,  a  transfer  of  the 
Martha  was  made  to  the  Church.  Its  publication 
was  again  renewed,  under,  what  was  then  supposed 
to  be,  favorable  auspices  ;  the  first  number  of  sec- 
ond volume,  bearing  date  of  July  1st,  1841.  This 
effort  was  also  short-lived  —  the  paper  being  dis- 
continued again,  on  the  22d  of  June,  1842.  Its 
Editor  making  the  following  declaration  as  to  the 
causes  of  its  discontinuance.     He  writes  as  follows: 

"  With  pain,  I  am  compelled  to  notify  the  readers 
of  the  Busy  Martha,  that  I  have  no  prospects  which 
would  justify  me  in  continuing  its  further  publication 
in  this  place;  for  it  appears  to  me,  as  if  almost 
everything  that  could  be  a  hindrance,  has  been  raised 
to  prevent  the  publication  of  a  third  volume  of  the 
Busy  Martha. 

1st.  It  appears  to  me,  that  the  Trustees  who 
were  elected  by  General  Conference,  care  nothing 
about  the  matter. 

2d.  The  printer  is  not  disposed  to  print  the  Mar- 
tha any  longer. 

3d.     A  considerable  number  of  subscribers  have 


1846  TIIE    UNITED    BRETIIBEN    IN    CHRIST.  305 

not  paid  for  the  second  volume,  which  in  justice, 
should  have  been  done,"  &c.  Hence  the  enterprise 
was  abandoned  for  a  time,  though  not  without  much 
dissatisfaction  upon  the  part  of  the  German  mem- 
bers of  the  Church ;  for  many  of  them,  as  well  as 
English,  had  contributed  liberally  towards  the  con- 
cern, and  now  that  it  should  die  so  soon,  wras  a  mat- 
ter of  regret. 

The  next  effort  that  was  made  in  this  enterprise, 
was  to  get  the  concern  moved  to  Circleville,  and 
start  a  paper  there.  Various  pledges  were  given  by 
the  different  Conferences,  as  to  the  number  of  sub- 
scribers that  would  be  raised,  if  the  Trustees  of  the 
Religious  Telescope  would  take  hold  of  the  matter. 
The  Trustees  on  their  part,  were  unwilling  to  start 
the  paper  again,  short  of  one  thousand  subscribers. 
Finally,  as  has  been  intimated  already,  "  The  Ger- 
man Telescope  made  its  appearance  on  the  first 
day  of  October,  of  this  year,  (1846,)  with  about  six 
hundred  subscribers,  edited  by  N.  Altman." 

Here  we  will  anticipate  the  regular  order  of 
our  history,  and  notice  some  further  particulars 
connected  with  the  German  Telescope,  which  will 
present  a  concise  view  of  it  to  the  reader,  from  its 
rise  to  the  present  time.  In  May  1847,  David  Strick- 
ler  from  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  took  charge  of  the 
Editorial  department,  and  continued  in  that  relation 
to  the  present  time,  1851.  At  the  General  Confer- 
ence of  1849,  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of  some 
of  the  Eastern  friends,  its  name  was  again  changed 
to  that  of  "  Busy  Martha,"  and  provisions  made  for 

21 


306  HISTORY    OF    THE   CHURCH    OF  1846 

its  removal  to  Pennsylvania,  provided  the  Confer- 
ences of  that  State  desired  such  removal.  Such 
desires,  however,  have  not  as  yet  been  intimated, 
consequently  its  publication  is  still  continued  at 
Circleville,  and  its  patronage  far  indeed  beneath 
what  it  really  should  be.  Perhaps  at  the  present 
time,  there  are  nearly  eight  hundred  subscribers. 
We  have  thus  sketched  out  the  whole  matter  con 
nected  with  the  German  paper,  that  the  reader 
might  take  a  general  view  at  once. 

With  this  year  closed  the  earthly  pilgrimage  of 
Francis  Whitcom.  T.  J.  Babcoke  writes  as  follows 
concerning  his  death,  under  date  of  December  26th, 
1846:  — 

"  Brother  F.  Whitcom  is  dead!  He  reached  home 
after  nearly  a  month's  journey,  and  took  his  room, 
and  left  it  no  more  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
on  the  16th  day  of  the  present  month.  I  saw  him 
a  few  days  before  his  death.  He  said,  '  all  is  well.' 
He  now  lies  in  a  grave-yard  within  one  mile  and  a 
half  of  Elkhart  village,  Elkhart  county,  Indiana." 

We  must  now  bring  up  another  subject  connected 
with  the  history  of  Brethrenism  in  the  year  1846, 
before  we  close  this  chapter.  It  is  the  great  Church 
trial  in  Baltimore,  Md. 

That  the  reader  may  understand  the  nature  and 
extent  of  this  trial,  it  may  be  proper  to  remark  as  is 
intimated  elsewhere,  that  Wm.  Otterbein  took 
charge  of  an  independent  congregation  in  the  city 
of  Baltimore,  about  the  year  1774,  and  continued  as 
the  regular  preacher  thereof,  until  his  death ;  and 


1846  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  307 

since  his  death,  said  congregation  has  been  regular- 
ly supplied  with  preachers  from  the  Brethren  Church; 
though  said  congregation's  corporate  name,  is 
**  German  Evangelical  Reformed  Church,"  differing 
from  the  German  Reformed  Church,  by  the  term 
"  Evangelical." 

In  February  1840,  a  petition  was  filed  in  the 
Baltimore  county  court,  in  the  name  of  J.  J.  Meyer, 
Jacob  Bier  and  Luther  Ratcliffe,  setting  forth  what 
they  declared  under  oath,  to  be  true,  to  the  best  of 
their  knowledge,  that  the  Church  above  alluded  to, 
was,  and  of  right  ought  to  be,  a  regular  German  R. 
Church — that  Wm.  Otterbein  was  a  member  of 
said  Church,  in  regular  standing,  until  his  death. 
That  since  the  death  of  Otterbein,  there  had  been 
an  usurped  dominion  exercised  over  said  congrega- 
tion, by  the  "  so  styled  Conference  of  the  '  United 
Brethren  in  Christ.' "  The  petitioners  therefore 
pray  that  the  court  by  a  due  course  of  law,  cause 
a  regular  election  of  a  pastor,  to  be  held  by  said 
congregation  —  that  such  pastor  shall  be  chosen 
"  as  the  pastor  of  the  German  Evangelical  Reform- 
ed Church,  and  subject  to  the  government  of  the 
German  Reformed  Church."  The  petitioners  fur- 
ther shew,  "  That  the  persons  who  claim  to  be  El- 
ders and  Trustees  of  the  congregation,  are  Lewis 
Wise,  George  Kraft,  J.  Messersmith  and  G.  Sickel, 
Elders;  and,  G.  Rosgaw,  E.  Wigand,  C.  Kile  and  F. 
Kraft,  Trustees,  and  that  the  said  John  Russel  is 
minister  thereof;  to  all  of  whom  your  petitioners. 


308  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHUBCH  OF  1846 

pray   that  these  may  be  issued  this  court's  writ  of 
mandamus,"  *  &c,  &c. 

In  compliance  with  the  above  petition,  the  court 
on  the  27th  day  of  April,  1840,  order  that  the  Elders, 
Trustees  and  Ministers  of  the  Otterbein  Church  in 
the  city  of  Baltimore,  show  cause  on  Monday,  the 
11th  day  of  May  next,  why  the  prayer  of  the  peti- 
tioners should  not  be  granted. 

The  case  was  accordingly  tried,  and  resulted  in 
the  entire  failure  of  the  petitioners  —  they  having 
the  cost  of  suit  to  meet,  of  course. 

In  the  Summer  of  1842,  some  two  or  three  mem- 
bers of  the  vestry  were  expelled  from  the  Church,  in 
consequence  of  immoral  conduct  —  two  or  three 
more  resigned  their  office,  and  left  the  Church.  The 
vacancies  thus  occasioned,  were  all  regularly  filled. 
The  German  Reformed  Church  having  failed  in  get- 
ting a  preacher  placed  over  Otterbein  Church  by 
law  —  a  new  project  was  now  set  afloat.  The  ex- 
pelled and  withdrawn  members  of  the  vestry, 
turn  round  and  declare  themselves  the  true  vestry  of 
the  Church  —  employ  Samuel  Gutclius,  of  Get- 
tysburg, Pa.,  belonging  to  the  German  Reformed 
Church  —  come  and  break  open  the  Church,  and  this 
Rev.  Gentleman  ascends  the  pulpit  to  do  battle  for 
the  Lord.  Here  an  out-break  took  place,  —  the 
civil  authorities  interfered,  and  the  house  was  locked 
up  by  the  Sheriff,  and  another  suit,  under  a  new  as- 
pect, was  commenced,  i.  e.  to  determine  which  party 
was  legally  the  vestry  of  the  Church.     The  Church 

*  Mandamus.     Law.  Lat.     "  We  order" —  A  writ  which  issues  to  a 
corporation,  commanding  them  to  restore  or  admit  a  person  to  an  office 


1846  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN  CHRIST.  309 

was  locked  up  October  5th,  1842,  and  a  long  and 
very  tedious  suit  commenced,  which  lasted  until  No- 
vember 1846.  J .  Erb  was  the  regular  pastor  of  the 
congregation  during  this  protracted  suit. 

On  the  12  day  of  November,  1846,  his  Honor, 
Judge  John  C.  Legrant,  who  presided  in  the  Balti- 
more court,  filed  his  opinion,  not  granting  the  pray- 
er of  the  plaintiff,  for  several  reasons  set  forth  in 
said  document,  and  ordered  judgment  to  be  given 
in  favor  of  defendants,  — J.  Erb  and  others.  On 
the  18th  of  same  month,  the  long  shut  doors  of  the 
Otterbein  Church,  were  once  more  opened.  In  the 
language  of  one  of  the  members,  "  The  sisters  and 
some  of  the  brethren,  were  soon  on  the  spot,  clean- 
ing, scouring  and  sweeping,  preparing  the  church 
for  Sabbath  services.  While  in  the  midst  of  the 
work,  Bro.  J.  Russel  our  beloved  Bishop,  and  lady, 
made  their  appearance  in  the  Church,  as  if  by  a 
wink  from  above.     Here  was  joy  upon  joy. 

On  Sunday  morning,  the  long  silenced  bells  began 
to  ring  once  more,  inviting  friend  and  foe,  as  in  days 
gone  by,  to  come  to  the  house  of  the  Lord.  This 
was  a  solemn  hour ;  as  far  as  the  sound  of  those 
bells  could  be  heard,  you  could  see  old  and  young, 
white  and  black,  standing  in  the  doors,  or  looking 
out  of  the  windows,  gazing  towTards  the  spire  of 
Otterbein's  Church. 

The  morning  hoar  was  improved  by  Bro.  Erb, 
(who,  his  enemies  said,  should  never  enter  the  pul- 
pit of  that  Church,  again,)  his  text  was,  '  Offer  un- 
to God  thanksgiving,  and   pay  thy   vows  unto  the 


310  HISTORY    OF    THE   CHURCH    OP  1846 

Most  High  ;  and  call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble, 
I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me.'  — 
Psalms  50:  14,  15.  Bro.  Russel  preached  at  3 
o'clock,  P.  M.  '  Say  ye  to  the  righteous  it  shall  be 
well  with  him,  for  they  shall  eat  the  fruit  of  their 
doings,' — Isaiah  3:  10."  Thus  ended  a  long  and 
tedious  trial. 

Before  we  close  this  chapter,  we  will  relate  an  an- 
ecdote, that  actually  occurred  during  the  progress 
of  the  above  named  trial.  Prior  to  the  commence- 
ment of  the  suit,  the  Church  had  been  thoroughly 
repaired.  A  new  pulpit  of  modern  style  and  con- 
venience, had  taken  the  place  of  the  old  one,  which 
was  set  to  one  side  in  the  church-yard.  The  Church 
now  being  locked  up,  and  quite  a  jealousy  existing 
between  the  ejected  parties  ;  J.  Russel  went  to  the 
city,  and  announced  through  the  city  papers,  that 
no  preventing  Providence,  he  would  preach  in 
Otterbein's  pulpit  the  following  Sabbath,  at  a  speci- 
fied hour.  Excitement  was  now  all  on  tip-toe  ! 
Have  the  civil  authorities  opened  the  Church  ?  or 
will  that  stubborn  man  break  it  open  himself? 
What  does  this  mean?  Preach  in  Otterbein's  pulpit  ? 
In  the  mean  time,  Russel  had  stationed  the  old  pul- 
pit close  to  the  wall  of  the  church-yard,  elevated 
some  six  feet  above  the  pavement.  At  an  early 
hour  on  Sabbath  morning,  crowds  gathered  around 
the  closed  Church,  wondering  what  would  be  the 
result  of  the  published  appointment.  When  the 
appointed  hour  arrived,  the  old  fox  with  his  long 
and    sturdy    form,   and  usually   dignified  appear- 


1846  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  311 

ance,  came  moving  slowly  out  of  the  parsonage  — 
ascended  the  old  pulpit,  and  preached  a  street  ser- 
mon to  a  large  congregation,  of  very  attentive,  yet 
much  disappointed  hearers. 


312  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OP 


CHAPTER  XII. 


FROM  JANUARY  1847,  TO  JANUARY  1848. 


Conferences  of  1847  — Opposition  to  Colleges  —  death  of  Smaltz  and 
Kramer —  The  effects  of  the  Mexican  war —  A  Church  constituted 
in  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

This  year,  fourteen  Annual  Conferences  were 
held. 

The  first  in  the  order  of  time,  was  Indiana  —  met 
at  Mt.  Lebanon  Meeting-house,  Harrison  county, 
la.,  January  7th.  Bishop  Russel  was  detained  at 
Dayton,  Ohio,  in  consequence  of  high  water,  and 
did  not  reach  the  Conference.  J.  Lopp  was  elected 
Bishop  pro  tern,  and  B.  Abbott  to  assist. 

White  River  met  in  Washington,  Wayne  county, 
la.,  January  18th.  Bishop  Russel  presided,  D.  Sto- 
ver to  assist.  James  Witt,  member  of  this  Confer- 
ence —  a  faithful  and  devoted  minister,  departed 
this  life  during  the  last  Conference  year. 

Miami  met  at  Lewisburg,  Preble  county,  Ohio, 
January  26th.  Bishop  Russel  presided,  assisted  by 
II.  Kumler  Sen. 

Allegheny  met  at  Mt  Pleasant,  Pa.,  February 
4th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided,  assisted  by  John  Wal- 
lace. J.  Sypher  and  J.  Zumbro,  members  of  this 
Conference,  died  during  this  year.  This  Conference 
at  the  present  session,  resolved  to  locate  an  institu- 


1847  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  313 

tion  of  learning  somewhere  within  its  bounds,  as 
may  be  hereafter  designated.  A  committee  of  five 
was  appointed  to  make  the  location,  subject  to  a 
decision  of  Conference  J.  Ritter  was  appointed 
traveling  agent,  to  solicit  funds  for  said  school. 

Sandusky  met  February  8th.  Bishop  Russel  pre- 
sided, S.  Long  assisted.  This  Conference  agreed  to 
co-operate  with  the  Scioto  Conference  in  sustaining 
the  Blendon  Young  Men's  Seminary,  and  appointed 
D.  P.  Hurlbut,  J.  Berger  and  P.  Flack,  Trustees ; 
J.  Berger  was  appointed  traveling  Agent,  to  collect 
funds  for  the  school ;  Wm.  L.  Smith,  Ezra  Crary  and 
Lawrence  Easterly,  died  during  the  last  year. 

Virginia  met  in  Mt.  Hebron  Church,  Washington 
county,  Md.,  February  18th.  J.  J.  Glossbrenner 
and  Wm.  Hanby,  Bishops,  present.  R.  Nyhizer  and 
J.  Gibbons,  deceased  during  last  year.  Conference 
awarded  to  them  the  praise  of  having  been  pious 
and  gifted  —  they  died,  it  was  said,  in  great  peace. 
This  Conference  passed  a  resolution,  to  take  into 
consideration,  the  propriety  of  publishing  within  its 
own  bounds,  a  religious  paper  —  the  Telescope  con- 
taining so  much  abolition  doctrine,  that  it  did  harm 
rather  than  good,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Virginia 
Conference.  Nothing  since,  however,  has  been  done, 
unless  it  was  merely  to  consider  the  matter. 

Muskingum  met  in  Union  Chapel,  Stark  county, 
Ohio,  February  18th.  J.  Russel  presided,  A.  Biddle 
to  assist.  Jacob  Stambaugh  died  during  the  last 
year,  in  full  assurance  of  a  glorious  rest  above. 
Conference  sympathized  with  his  afflicted  family. 


314  HISTORY    OF    THE   CHURCH    OF  1847 

East  Pennsylvania  met  in  Lebanon  county,  Pa., 
March  4th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided,  assisted' by  C. 
S.  Crider. 

Pennsylvania  met  at  Hershe's  station,  March  1 1th. 
Bishop  Russel  and  Hanby  were  both  present.  I. 
Potter  and  J.  B.  Resler  of  the  Allegheny  Confer- 
ence, attended  this  Conference,  for  the  purpose  of 
securing  the  co-operation  of  the  Pennsylvania  Con- 
ference, in  establishing  and  sustaining  a  Sem- 
inary to  be  located  in  the  bounds  of  said  Allegheny 
Conference,  in  view  of  which  the  following  resolu- 
tions were  passed: 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Conference  is  not  only  op- 
posed to  erecting  an  institution  of  learning  in  the 
Allegheny  Conference,  but  also  opposed  to  the 
Blendon  Seminary." 

"Resolved,  That  this  Conference  is  also  opposed 
to  the  institution  of  learning  contemplated  by  the 
Virginia  Conference." 

These  resolutions  we  insert,  that  in  future  years 
it  maybe  seen,  what  opposition  existed  in  portions  of 
the  Brethren  Church  against  colleges  ;  and  yet  it  is 
due  to  this  Conference  to  say,  that  the  members  did  not 
wish  to  be  understood  as  opposing  education  ;  but 
they  regarded  the  spiritual  death  and  formality  of 
many  of  the  Churches  extant,  as  the  legitimate  re- 
sult of  a  collegiate  education  in  the  ministry  ;  and 
they  feared  that  the  same  results  would  be  manifest 
in  the  Brethren  Church.  However  unsound  we 
conceive  this  position  to  be,  yet  the  members  of  this 
Conference,  were  doubtless  honest  in  their  senti 
menta. 


1847  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  315 

Iowa  met  in  Louisa  county,  Iowa,  August  26th. 
Wm.  Hanby  presided. 

Illinois  met  at  Lexington,  McLean  county,  111., 
September  9th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided.  R.P.Wil- 
lis died  during  the  last  Conference  year. 

Wabash  met  in  Otterbein  Church,  Coles  county, 
111.,  September  23d.  Wm.  Hanby  presided,  assisted 
by  J.  Hoobler.  The  death  of  John  C.  McNamer 
was  entered  upon  the  Conference  journal  —  died  in 
November  last — aged  sixty-seven  years.  He  en- 
tered the  ministry  when  young ;  and  was  for  many 
years  a  faithful  and  talented  expounder  of  the  word 
of  the  Lord.  He  was  regarded  as  a  man  of  strong 
powers  of  mind  in  the  days  of  his  manhood  — 
though  quite  broken  down  and  worn  out  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  prior  to  his  death. 

St.  Joseph  met  in  Berrien,  Michigan,  October  7th. 
Wm.  Hanby  presided,  E.  H.  Lamb  chairman.  F. 
Whitcom's  death  was  entered  upon  the  journal.* 

Scioto  met  in  Cynthian,  Pike  county,  O.,  October 
28th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided,  E.  Vandemark  chair- 
man. 

Three  of  the  ministers  of  the  Scioto  Conference 
were  called  to  rest  from  their  labors,  during  this 
year.  The  first  in  the  order  of  time,  was  John 
Smaltz,  who  departed  this  life  July  the  1st,  in  the 
seventy-first  year  of  his  age.  He  was  one  of  the 
German  pioneers  of  the  West  —  had  labored  in  the 
ministry  for   thirty  five   years — was   successful  in 

*  See  notice  in  last  chapter. 


316  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1847 

winning  souls  to  Christ,  —  honored  his  profession, 
and  died  in  peace. 

Also,  Johial  Conn,  died  Angust  28th,  in  the  tri- 
umphs of  living  faith.  Bro.  Conn  had  labored  but 
a  few  years  in  the  ministry  —  was  cut  down  in  the 
meridian  of  life. 

Lewis  Cramer  died  September  the  17th  ;  aged 
sixty-nine  years.  He  labored  thirty-five  years  in 
the  ministry  as  opportunity  served.  Like  many  of 
the  German  Fathers,  he  labored  and  traveled  much 
without  pecuniary  reward  for  his  services.  The 
Lord  blessed  him  with  a  goodly  share  of  worldly 
goods,  and  he  proved  himself  a  faithful  steward. 
Notwithstanding,  he  labored  free  of  charge,  he  was 
always  ready  with  his  means,  to  assist  the  poor  and 
needy.  His  house  always  proved  a  home  to  the  way- 
worn pilgrim.  Many  of  our  traveling  preachers 
will  long  remember  the  kind  treatment  received  in 
his  hospitable  dwelling     He  rests  from  his  labors. 

During  this  year,  the  whole  nation  was  immersed 
more  or  less,  in  the  spirit  of  war.  A  bloodly  war 
was  kept  up  between  the  United  States  and  Mexico, 
in  which  harder  battles  were  fought,  and  perhaps 
more   lives  lost,  than  in  the    American  Revolution. 

This  state  of  things  affected  materially  the  interests 
of  Zion.  Recruiting  officers  were  found  in  all  the 
towns  and  villages  from  Maine  to  Georgia,  on  week 
day  and  Sunday,  beating  up  for  volunteers.  The 
Church,  to  a  very  great  extent,  drank  in  the  same 
spirit.  Many  church  members,  and  even  officers, 
such  as  leaders,  exhortcrs,  stewards,  &c,  volunteered 


1847  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  317 

to  go  to  the  field  of  carnage.  In  one  or  two  instan- 
ces, preachers  of  the  Brethren  Church  volunteered, 
and  actually  went.  One  of  them  fell  in  the  field  of 
battle.  In  view  of  this  state  of  things,  it  may  well 
be  imagined,  that  this  year  was  not  replete 
with  the  out-pourings  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  There 
were  some  few  revivals  in  the  Church  ;  but  compar- 
atively, they  were  few,  and  not  very  extensive.  The 
spirit  of  war,  and  the  weekly  news  from  the  scenes 
of  deadly  strife  appeared  to  absorb  all  other  in- 
terests. 

With  this  year,  dates  the  commencement  of  Breth- 
renism  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.  A  gentleman  in  the 
above  named  city,  by  the  name  of  Norcross,  became 
acquainted  to  some  extent,  with  J.  Emrick,  then 
stationed  in  Cincinnati;  a  correspondence  was  com- 
menced, touching  the  doctrines  and  usages  of  the 
Brethren  Church  —  connected  too,  in  this  corres- 
pondence, was  the  name  of  J.  W.  Bonewell,  then 
pastor  of  a  small  congregation  in  the  city,  of  Amer- 
ican Primitive  Methodists.  This  fleck  with  its  pas- 
tor, was  desirous  of  finding  some  christian  denomi- 
nation, with  doctrines  and  government  in  accord- 
ance with  their  own,  with  whom  they  might  unite. 
Brother  Emrick  forwarded  them  a  discipline  of  the 
Brethren  Church  ;  and  this  little  silent  missionary, 
was  handed  around  from  one  to  another,  and  read 
with  interest  and  delight.  Accordingly,  Bro.  Bone- 
well  attended  the  Pennsylvania  Conference,  and  for 
himself  and  in  behalf  of  the  Church,  requested  that 
the  Church  with  its  preacher,  might  be  received  into 


318  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1847 

the  Brethren  connection.  Conference  appointed 
George  Miller,  to  visit  and  hold  a  few  meetings  with 
the  preacher  and  his  people,  and  if  in  his  opinion, 
they  were  found  worthy  in  walk  and  doctrine,  he 
should  receive  them,  and  proceed  at  once  to  organ- 
ize a  United  Brethren  Church  in  the  city.  The  fol- 
lowing is  Bro.  Miller's  own  report  touching  that 
visit: 

"  According  to  the  act  of  Conference,  I  went  to 
Philadelphia  —  started  on  good  Friday,  in  the  after- 
noon —  Was  kindly  received  at  the  cars,  by  brother 
Bonewell ;  stayed  with  the  very  kind  friends  until 
the  following  Wednesday  morning.  I  tried  to  preach 
several  times,  and  organized  a  Church  of  thirty-five 
members.  Brother  Bonewell  has  charge  until  next 
Conference.  To  the  honor  of  God,  and  his  cause, 
I  must  say,  I  think  he  has  at  least  a  little  flock  in 
this  city." 

At  the  ensuing  Conference,  J.  S.  Kessler  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  city.  His  labors  have  been  blessed 
in  the  conversion  and  accession  to  the  Church,  of 
many  souls.  There  has  been  a  good  church-house 
erected,  and  prospects  fair  for  the  Church,  in  the 
city  of  brotherly  kindness. 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  319 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


FROM  JANUARY  1848,  TO  JANUARY  1849. 


Conferences  of  1848  —  Death  of  W.  Hastings,  and  J.  Lehman  —  Re- 
vivals of  religion  —  City  of  Nauvoo  —  Opposition  from  secret  com- 
binations. 

Fourteen  Annual  Conferences  convened  this  year, 
five  of  which  changed  to  a  fall  session,  and  met  again 
this  fall. 

First  in  the  order  of  time,  was  the  Miami,  which 
held  its  session  in  Miltonville,  Butler  county,  Ohio, 
January  6th.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  assis- 
ted by  Henry  Kumler  Sen.  David  Kiser,  member 
of  this  Conference,  died  within  the  lastyear. 

Virginia  met  at  Churchville,  Augusta  county,  Va., 
January  27th.  Bishop  Russel  presided,  assisted  by 
H.  Burtner. 

Indiana  met  in  Orange  county,  January  20th. 
Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided.  Wm.  Foot  died 
during  the  last  year. 

White  River  met  at  White  Chapel,  Madison  coun- 
ty, la.,  February  3d.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided, 
J.  A.  Ball  elected  assistant. 

Sandusky  met  at  Bretz's  Church,  near  Melmore, 
Ohio,  February  17th.  Bishops  Glossbrenner  and 
Hanby  were  present  —  Glossbrenner  having  charge. 
This  Conference  resolved  more  than  ever,  to  unite 


320  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1848 

its  energies  in  raising  funds,  soliciting  pupils,  and 
using  all  laudable  means  to  promote  the  interests  of 
the  Otterbein  University.  It  reports  109  classes, 
458  net  increase,  and  2907  communicants  within  its 
bounds. 

Allegheny  met  in  Jefferson,  Cambria  county,  Pa., 
and  was  opened  and  conducted  by  Bishop  Russel, 
J.  R.  Sitman  elected  chairman.  It  was  resolved, 
that  the  committee  go  forward  to  build  a  good  plain, 
brick  building,  for  a  seminary,  to  be  erected  at  Mt. 
Pleasant,  Pa. 

East  Pennsylvania  met  at  Millerstown,  Lebanon 
county,  Pa.  J.  Russel  Bishop,  presided,  assisted  by 
C.  Pefley.  This  Conference  passed  important  res- 
olutions in  favor  of  Sabbath-schools  and  missionary 
operations.  Sermons  were  to  be  preached,  and 
collections  taken  for  the  latter,  and  every  laudable 
effort  put  forth  to  promote  the  former. 

Muskingum  convened  at  Connotton,  Harrison 
county,  Ohio,  March  3d.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  pre- 
sided, J.  Todd  assisted.  Conference  resolved  with- 
out a  dissenting  vote,  to  co-operate  with  the  Scioto 
and  Sandusky  Annual  Conferences,  in  sustaining 
the  Otterbein  University,  and  three  Trustees  were 
appointed  in  behalf  of  this  Conference. 

Pennsylvania  met  at  Littlestown,  Adams  county, 
Pa.,  March  2d.  J.  Russel  Bishop  presided,  J.  Erb 
appointed  to  assist. 

Iowa  met  at  J.  Shiveley's,  in  Henry  county,  Iowa, 
September  1st.  Wra.  Hanby  presided,  C.  Troup  as- 
sisted.    The  Conference  resolved  itself  into  a  mis- 


1848  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  321 

sionary  society,  and  appointed  H.  S.  Denham  Treas- 
urer ;  and  made  it  the  duty  of  each  traveling 
preacher,  to  preach  missionary  sermons,  and  take 
up  annual  collections  for  missionary  purposes. 

Illinois  met  in  Fulton  county,  111.,  September  8th. 
Wm.  Hanby  presided,  J.  Denham  assisted. 

Wabash  met  at  Cross  Roads  Meeting-house,  Ver- 
million county,  la.,  September  21st.  Wm.  Hanby 
presided,  J.  Griffith  chairman. 

St.  Joseph  convened  at  Jefferson,  Clinton  county, 
la.,  September  28th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided,  J. 
Fetterhoff  chairman. 

Scioto  met  at  Pleasant  Hill  Church,  Fairfield 
county,  Ohio,  October  19,th.  Wm.  Hanby  presided, 
assisted  by  E.  Vandemark. 

Having  sketched  out  the  regular  sessions  of  the 
fourteen  Annual  Conferences  for  this  year,  we  shall 
briefly  notice  the  sessions  of  five  of  the  above 
which  were  changed  from  spring  to  fall,  and 
consequently  had  two  sessions  this  year.  This 
change  was  made  in  consequence  of  high  waters 
and  bad  roads  —  usual  in  the  spring  season,  and 
which  often  prevented  members  from  getting  to 
Conference. 

Miami  met  in  Farmersville,  Montgomery  county, 
Ohio,  September  20th.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presi- 
ded, assisted  by  H.  Kumler  Sen. 

Indiana  met  in  Zion  Chapel,  Dearborn  county,  la., 
September  28th.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  H. 
Bonebrake  assisted.  This  Conference  prayed  the 
22 


322  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1848 

next  General  Conference,  to  establish  a  mission  in 
Oregon. 

White  River  met  at  Kingdom  Chapel,  Shelby 
county,  la.,  October 6th.  J.J.  Glossbrenner presid- 
ed, D.  Stover  assisted. 

Sandusky  met  October  20th,  in  Lucas  county,  O. 
Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  J.  Davis  chairman. 
This  Conference  prayed  the  next  General  Confer- 
ence, to  establish  a  mission  in  Oregon.  Numbers 
196  classes,  451  net  increase,  and  3250  members. 

Muskingum  met  in  Stark  county,  Ohio,  Novem- 
ber 2d.  Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided,  J.  S.  Todd 
chairman. 

With  this  year,  closed  the  earthly  pilgrimage  of 
two  aged  ministers  of  the  gospel,  of  the  Scioto  An- 
nual Conference,  to  wit:  Wm.  Hastings  and  Jacob 
Lehman. 

The  first  in  the  order  of  time,  was  Father  Has- 
tings. He  died  in  peace,  on  the  17th  of  February, 
1848,  in  the  seventieth  year  of  his  age.  He  was  a 
native  of  New  Hampshire  —  married  at  the  age 
of  twenty-four,  and  settled  in  Vermont,  where  he 
embraced  religion  ;  and  though  hejoined  no  Church, 
he  would  often  hold  religious  meetings,  and  exhort 
the  people  to  repent  and  be  religious.  In  1813,  he 
emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  some  years  afterwards,  join- 
ed the  Methodist  Church,  in  which  he  sustained  for 
some  ten  years,  the  relation  of  member  and  minister . 
Some  twenty  years  prior  to  his  death,  he  joined  the 
Brethren  Church,  and  traveled  a  number  of  years 
in  the  itinerant  ranks,  until  age  and  infirmity  com- 


1848  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN  CHRIST.  323 

pelled  him  to  locate.  As  a  distinguished  and  talent- 
ed minister,  Father  Hastings  will  long  be  remem- 
bered by  those  with  whom  he  labored  and  worship- 
ed. He  became  the  father  of  Brethrenism  in  his 
own  neighborhood;  and  stood  as  a  pillar  in  the 
Church.  He  possessed  a  sound  and  well  matured 
judgment,  and  his  counsel  among  the  brethren,  was 
highly  appreciated. 

During  his  last  illness,  he  was  often  heard  to 
complain  of  himself,  for  not  having  preached  more. 

On  one  occasion,  he  said  —  "  If  I  had  my  life  to 
live  over,  I  would  preach  as  long  as  I  could  speak  ten 
minutes  at  a  time."  At  another  time,  he  said  —  "  O 
Royal,"  addressing  his  son,  "  let  not  the  love  of  the 
world  prevent  you  from  preaching  the  gospel-" 

He  bequeathed  one  hundred  dollars  to  the  Home 
Missionary  Society,  and  the  interest  of  one  hund- 
red for  ten  years,  to  support  Brethren  preaching 
nearest  to  his  residence. 

Jacob  Lehman  died  May  30th,  in  full  assurance 
of  a  blessed  immortality,  in  the  ninetieth  year  of 
his  age.  He  was  for  many  years  a  minister  in  the 
Brethren  Church  —  of  unimpeachable  character  — 
possessing  at  all  times  a  full  assurance  of  the  prom- 
ised inheritance.  He  was  a  man  of  a  very  strong 
constitution,  and  did  not  appear  to  have  any  par- 
ticular disease  when  he  died.  The  lamp  of  life  ap- 
peared to  burn  weaker  and  weaker  still,  until  it  finally 
went  out,  and  permitted  the  spirit  to  soar  to  other, 
and  more  heavenly  regions. 

During  this  year,  there  were  some  interesting  re- 


324  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1848 

vivals  of  religion  in  various  portions  of  the  Church. 
In  the  West,  the  work  was  much  enlarged  —  doors 
were  opened  in  every  direction  for  our  Western 
Missionaries.  In  Illinois,  Wisconsin  and  Iowa, 
there  were  many  souls  born  into  the  kingdom  of 
grace.  The  spirit  of  war,  by  which  the  nation  and 
the  church  too,  had  been  so  much  excited,  was  now 
beginning  to  subside .  The  dreadful  consequences 
of  a  bloody  war,  were  now  beginning  to  react  up  on 
the  nation  generally,  and  many  bereaved  families 
particularly.  Hundreds  of  bereaved  ones  at  home, 
who  had  in  vain  been  looking  for  the  return  of  be- 
loved friends,  who  had  gone  to  fight  a  distant  foe,  and 
whose  bones  were  now  being  bleached  by  the  rains  of 
heaven,  turned  their  hearts  to  a  fruitful  source  of 
joy  and  gladness.  They  sought  —  they  found  the 
Saviour.  In  other  States  too,  God  was  sought 
and  found  to  the  joy  of  many  hearts.  In  the  Miami 
Valley  especially,  there  were  interesting  revivals  of 
religion.  J.  Coons  writing  from  this  region  of 
country,  in  speaking  of  a  protracted  effort  says: 

"  It  seems  to  me,  that  I  never  did  see  a  better 
meeting,  for  deep  convictions,  bright  conversions 
and  unwavering  perseverence  on  the  part  of  the 
preachers  and  members.  They  reminded  me  of  the 
motto  of  the  Spartans  in  their  wars,  which  was 
"victory  or  death."  These  brethren  seemed  bound 
to  push  the  battle  to  the  very  gates  of  the  enemy. 
The  number  of  conversions  I  cannot  give.  The 
number  which  have  united  with  the  Church  in  the 


1848  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  325 

last  few  weeks,  is  one  hundred  and  two.  May  the 
Lord  bless  and  keep  them  faithful  until  death." 

The  Mormons  having  been  dispersed  from  the 
city  of  Nauvoo,  after  the  death  —  the  unwarranta- 
ble death  of  their  prophet  Joseph  Smith,  quite  a 
door  of  usefulness  for  the  brethren,  was  opened  in 
that  desolated  city.  Emigration  thitherward  for  the 
time  being,  was  almost  without  a  precedent.  Hun- 
dreds of  well  finished  houses  were  found  in  the  city, 
free  of  any  other  rent,  than  that  of  merely  taking 
care  of  the  premises.  The  author  visited  this  city 
during  this  year,  and  found  quite  a  society,  which 
had,  under  the  labors  of  Bro.  J.  Terrel,  been  very 
recently  formed.  During  this  year,  however,  a  sad 
misfortune  befel  the  city,  in  the  destruction  by  fire, 
of  the  great  Mormon  Temple.  This  was  the  work 
of  an  incendiary,  and  has  resulted  in  the  destruction 
of  the  Mormon  city.  There  was  nothing  left  to  at- 
tract public  attention.  Churches,  to  a  considerable 
extent,  went  down,  —  business  men  left  the  place, 
and  public  enterprise  was  prostrated.  This  was  an 
unfortunate  event.  The  Temple  might  have  been 
converted  into  one  of  the  finest  college  edifices  in 
the  United  States. 

In  and  near  Carlisle,  Pa.,  there  was  a  great  re- 
vival of  religion.  The  work  become  general ;  va- 
rious churches  having  participated. 

On  Huntingdon  circuit,  Allegheny  Conference, 
there  was  considerable  of  revival  influence.  Bro. 
Stephenson  writes,  that  at  a  protracted  effort,  there 


326  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1848 

were  forty  hopeful  conversions .  Bro.  Benjamin 
Stickley  of  the  Virginia  Conference,  writes: 

"  In  the  latter  part  of  October,  I  commenced  a 
meeting,  which  lasted  five  days,  and  resulted  in  the 
conversion  of  twenty  souls,  and  the  organization  of 
a  new  class  of  the  same  number.  One  hundred 
and  twenty  have  been  added  to  the  Church  since  I 
came  on  Franklin  circuit." 

During  this,  and  also  last  year,  our  Society  has 
been  made  to  feel  deeply  the  influences  of  persecu- 
tion, on  account  of  the  stand  the  Church  for  many 
years  had  taken  in  relation  to  secret  societies.  Ma- 
sonry, in  its  original  aspect,  never,  to  any  extent  at 
least,  condescended  to  persecute  the  Church  for  the 
conscientious  stand  it  had  taken  in  reference  to 
worldly  associations ;  but  an  association  called 
"  The  Sons  of  Temperance,"  shielding  all  the  justly 
objectionable  features  of  secret  combinations,  be- 
hind the  laudable  enterprise  of  promoting  temper- 
ance, were  by  no  means  sparing  in  their  denuncia- 
tions of  the  Brethren  Church,  as  "  being  opposed  to 
temperance"  This  move  connecting  as  it  did,  a 
cause  loved  and  cherished  by  the  pious  and  the 
good  of  all  christian  churches,  with  secret  grips, 
counter  signs  and  pass  words,  all  of  which  features 
are  more  characteristic  of  war,  than  a  universal 
brotherhood;  and  justly  opposed  by  respectable 
portions  in  all  communities,  has  proved  fatal  to  the 
cause  of  temperance.  The  Brethren  Church  was 
a  temperance  Church  before  this  order  had  a  being, 
and  it  will  still  be  a  temperance  Church  when  the 


1848  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  327 

Sons  will  be  numbered  with  the  things  that  are  past. 
The  Brethren  Church  had  grown  grey  in  the  cause 
of  temperance,  long  before  the  Sons  were  born. 


328  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF 


CHAPTER   XIV. 


FROM  JANUARY  1849,  TO  JANUARY  1850. 


Annual  Conferences  of  1849  < — General  Conference  of  the  same  year 
—  Discussion  on  Slavery  —  Discussion  on  Secret  Societies  — 
Election  of  Bishops. 

Fourteen  Annual,  and  one  General  Conference 
were  held  in  the  year  1849.  We  shall  briefly  sketch 
the  Annual  Conferences  first,  or  rather  those  which 
were  held  in  the  spring. 

Allegheny  met  in  Johnstown,  Cambria  county,  Pa., 
January  4th.  Bishop  Russel  presided,  assisted  by 
J.  R.  Sitman.  Nathaniel  Black  was  elected  traveling 
agent  for  the  contemplated  institution  of  learning. 

Virginia  met  near  Hagerstown,  Md.,  January  25th. 
Bishop  Russel  and  Glossbrenner  were  present,  Rus- 
sel having  charge. 

East  Pennsylvania  convened  in  Myerstown,  Leb- 
anon county,  Pa.,  February  14th.  J.  Russel  presi- 
ded, assisted  by  C.  S.  Cfider. 

Pennsylvania  met  in  Franklin  county,  Pa.,  Febru- 
ary 28th .  Bishop  Russel  presided,  J.  Erb  assistant. 
The  Baltimore  German  Missionary  Society,  donated 
to  this  Conference,  eight  dollars  per  month,  the 
eoming  year,  for  missionary  purposes.  There  has 
Been  quite  a  religious  interest  manifested  during  the 
whiter  and  spring  of  this  year,  upon  the  part  of  the 


1849  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  329 

membership;  and  quite  a  general  awakening  among 
the  unconverted.  The  ministers  have  made  mani- 
fest improvement  in  the  promotion  of  missionary 
operations.  Upon  the  whole,  there  appears  to  be  a 
more  systematic  state  of  things  in  all  the  operations 
of  the  Church. 

Having  sketched  briefly  the  Conferences  which 
held  their  sessions  in  the  spring  of  this  year,  we  are 
brought  in  our  connection,  as  to  time,  to  the  Gene- 
ral, which  claims  our  attention  next,  after  which  we 
shall  notice  the  rest  of  the  Conference  sessions. 

The  tenth  General  Conference  of  the  Church  of 
the  United  Brethren  in  Christ,  convened  at  German- 
town,  Montgomery  county,  Ohio,  May  14th,  1849. 
J.  Russel,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner,  and  Wm.  Hanby,  Bish- 
ops, were  present.  Conference  was  called  to  order 
by  Wm.  Hanby,  who  opened  the  same,  by  reading 
a  chapter,  and  addressing  a  throne  of  grace.  J. 
Russel  addressed  the  Conference  in  German,  and  J. 
J.  Glossbrenner  in  the  English.  The  names  of  the 
following  delegates  were  called,  and  took  their  seats, 
to  wit: 

Pennsylvania  Conference —  J.  Erb,  Geo.  Miller,  J. 
Fohl. 

East  Pa.  Conference  —  C.  Peliey,  J.  Roop,D.  Gin- 
gerich. 

Virginia  Conference  —  H.  Burtner,  J.  Bechtel, 
J.  Markwood. 

Allegheny  Conference — J.  B.  Resler,  J.  R.  Sit- 
man,  Wm.  Beighel.] 


330  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1849 

Muskingum  Conference — S.  C.  Steward,  A.  S, 
Wade,  J.  Todd, 

Scioto  Conference  — J.  Montgomery, D.  Edwards, 
M.  Ambrose. 

Sandusky  Conference — A.  Spracklin,  H.  G.  Spayth, 
J.  C.  Bright. 

Miami  Conference —  W.  R.  Rhinehart,  W.  Davis, 
H.  Kumler  Jr. 

Indiana  Conference — Henry  Bonebrake,  L.  S 
Chittenden,  John  Lopp. 

*  Illinois  Conference —  Josiah  Terrel. 

Wabash  Conference  —  J.  Hoobler,  J.  P.  Shuey,  J 
Griffith. 

White  River  Conference  —  Daniel  Stover,  W.  W 
Richardson,  C.  W.  Witt. 

St.  Joseph  Conference — J.  Thomas,  J.  M.  Her- 
shey,E.  H.  Lamb. 

The  election  of  Officers  for  the  Telescope  Office, 
was  next  gone  into,  with  the  following  result: 

Trustees  — Jonathan  Dresbach,  Geo.  Dresbaoh 
and  Wm.  Leist. 

Editor  of  Busy  Martha  —  David  Strickler. 

Editor  of  Telescope — Wm.  Hanby. 

Publishing  Agent  —  Nehemiah  Altman . 

The  Conference,  after  attending  to  considerable 
business  not  of  any  interest  to  the  General  reader, 
next  went  into  an  election  of  Bishops,  which  resul- 
ted in  the  choice  of  Jacob  Erb,  J.  J.  Glossbrenner 
and  David  Edwards.      The  next  subject  which  is  of 

*  Two  delegates  absent  from  this  Conference. 


1849  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  331 

any  special  interest  to  the  reader,  was  a  very  inter- 
esting and  quite  excited  discussion  on  secret  combi- 
nations, and  perhaps  we  cannot  better  give  the 
views  of  the  Church,  than  by  copying  the  arguments 
as  furnished  by  the  reporter,  and  giving  the  descisive 
vote  of  that  body.  Here  they  are,  they  may  speak 
for  themselves . 

"  Br.  C.  W.  Witt,  chairman  of  the  committee  on  se- 
cret combinations,  presented  the  following  report. 

"  Free  Masonry,  in  every  sense  of  the  word, 
shall  be  totally  prohibited,  and  there  shall  be  no 
connection  with  secret  combinations  ;  (a  secret  com- 
bination is  one  whose  initiatory  ceremony  is  a  secret,) 
and  any  member  found  connected  with  such  society,, 
shall  be  affectionately  admonished  by  the  preacher 
in  charge,  twice  or  thrice,  and  if  such  member  does 
not  desist  in  a  reasonable  time,  he  shall  be  notified 
to  appear  before  the  tribunal  to  which  he  is  amena- 
ble ;  and  if  he  still  refuses  to  desist,  he  shall  be  ex- 
pelled from  the  Church." 

Upon  a  motion  to  adopt  the  above  report,  the  fol- 
lowing arguments  were  presented: 

Bro.  Bechtel  opposed  the  passage.  He  might  be 
alone  in  this  matter  ;  this  was  no  difference  to  him. 
He  had  reasons  for  opposing  the  measure  ;  he  was 
no  milk  and  water  man,  and  neither  afraid  nor 
ashamed  to  advance  his  sentiments  He  said  the 
report  included  all  secret  orders .  He  was  not  much 
if  at  all,  opposed  to  Masonry  —  could  not,  and 
would  not  turn  a  man  out  of  the  church,  or  refuse 
him  admittance  into  the  church  on  account  of  his 
being  a  Mason.     The  Odd  Fellows  are  of  ancient 


332  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1849 

origin,  instituted  in  the  days  of  Julius  Caesar,  a 
branch  having  broken  off,  were  styled  the  I .'  O .  of 
O .  F.  He  could  not  turn  them  out  or  reject  them. 
The  object  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance  is  noble, 
grand  and  benevolent.  They  put  down  distillation, 
and  have  done  much  good.  The  poor  "  Sons," 
have  much  opposition,  by  grogsellers,  distillers, 
moderate  drinkers,  and  ministers.  Their  secrecy 
was  no  ground  of  objection.  We  must  have  se- 
crets between  confidential  friends,  families,  &c. 
The  disciples  had  secrets  —  warriors  had  secrets, 
(the  countersign,)  —  the  church  had  secrets  —  an- 
nual conferences  have  secrets  —  sometimes  it  was 
necessary  to  have  secret  sessions  of  conference,  and 
ought  to  have  more  such.  Those  societies  must 
have  secrets.  It  is  urged  against  these  societies, 
that  it  is  wrong  to  unite  with  the  wicked.  The 
apostle  uses  the  command,  "  come  out  from  among 
the  wicked"  in  a  qualified  sense,  we  must  not  unite 
in  lying,  swearing,  &c.  They  were  doing  good  in 
Virginia,  many  drunkards  were  reformed. 

Bro.  Witt  was  in  favor  of  the  resolution.  If  he 
thought  it  necessary,  he  would  enter  into  the  moral 
bearing  of  the  question,  but  he  thought  it  unneces- 
sary. The  constitution  and  resolution  were  in  per- 
fect accordance.  If  the  interest  of  the  church  or 
cause  of  God  should  demand  it,  he  would  adduce 
arguments. 

Bro.  Markwood  thought,  that  until  we  were  con- 
vinced that  Secret  Societies  looked  at  the  violation 
of  intellectual,  spiritual,  moral,  physical  or  civil 
law,  to  any  extent  whatever,  we  had  no  right  to  leg- 
islate in  regard  to  them.  Upon  which  he  dwelt 
more  particularly  than  upon  any  other  thing. 

Bro .  Thomas  understood  Brs .  Bechtel  and  Mark- 
wood  to  be  satisfied  with  our  discipline  as  it  is,  and 
yet  they  urge  that  we  have  no  right  to  legislate  on 
this  matter,  because  we  knew  nothing  about  Secret 


1849  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  333 

Societies.  This,  in  his  opinion,  was  a  prime  reason 
why  we  should  legislate  upon  it.  Ii'  there  is  any- 
good  in  them,  they  will  not  allow  us  to  investigate 
that  good,  until  we  join  them  —  for  his  part  he  was 
unwilling  to  risk  burning  his  fingers .  As  world- 
lings they  were  welcome  to  enjoy  the  privileges  of 
those  Societies,  but  it  was  unsafe  as  christians. 
Look  at  the  result  in  other  branches  of  the  church  ; 
they  were  rent  in  pieces.  We  had  no  dissensions, 
but  were  at  peace  from  shore  to  shore.  He  related 
an  anecdote  of  a  person  who  said,  u  the  United 
Brethren  were  the  strangest  people  he  ever  saw  ; 
they  opposed  every  thing  but  religion.''''  The  United 
Brethren  from  their  infancy,  took  their  peculiar 
stand  —  let  the  world  have  their  institutions,  but 
let  us  stand  to  the  old  land-marks . 

Bro.  Miller  said,  our  church  had  been  misrepresen- 
ted, he  hoped  unintentionally.  The  church  had 
been  represented  as  a  Secret  Society.  We  had  no 
secrets  such  as  referred  to,  and  he  did  not  want  the 
church  misrepresented. 

Bro.  Hanby  gave  his  definition  of  Secret  Societies 
as  being  "  any  Society  that  cannot  live  when  its 
password  or  secret  is  divulged."  Take  away  all 
our  secrets  as  a  church,  (if  we  have  any,)  and  we 
still  live  and  prosper.  At  the  expiration  of  two 
years,  it  would  be  easier  to  legislate  on  this  matter 
than  now ;  and  it  was  easier  now  than  two  years 
ago.  They,  ( the  Secret  Societies )  will  of  them- 
selves fall  to  the  ground.  They  have  taken  the  dry 
rot.  It  is  urged  that  we  should  not  oppose  them, 
from  the  circumstance  that  we  are  ignorant  of  their 
secrets,  &c.  Strange  logic  !  Must  we  receive  an 
applicant  into  the  ministry  because  he  is  a  stranger 
and  refuses  to  give  his  views  on  theology  ?  It  had 
been  asserted  that  we  were  afraid  to  legislate  in  re- 
lation to  matters  now  under  consideration.  He  re- 
pudiated the  assertion;  the  United  Brethren  need  not 


334  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1849 

be  ashamed  to  promulgate  their  principles  any  where. 
It  was  said,  the  object  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance 
was  a  laudable  one;  it  was  not  so  much  the  object 
we  oppose  as  the  modus  operandi  of  obtaining  that 
object.  The  Temperance  cause  had  become  wed- 
ded to  a  prodigal  "  Son ."  Benevolence  had  been 
claimed  for  the  Order.  It  was  very  selfish  benevo- 
lence. It  shuts  the  doors  against  the  proper  object 
of  benevolence,  and  deprives  the  poor,  the  maimed, 
the  halt  and  the  blind  from  its  fostering  protection. 
They  must  pay  the  money  in,  before  they  can  draw 
it  out.  The  influence  of  these  combinations  were 
deleterious  to  the  cause  of  Christianity.  The 
church  member  belonging  to  them,  leaves  his  class 
room  to  join  in  conclave  or  procession,  with  the  Mo- 
hammedan, the  Jew,  or  the  Infidel.  That  tie  binds 
him  more  closely  than  Christianity.  Paul  exhorts 
us  not  to  be  unequally  yoked  together  with  unbe- 
lievers ;  yet  the  christian  and  infidel  are  here  recog- 
nized as  true  yoke-fellows,  and  they  pass  by  the 
place  of  worship  to  attend  the  lodges  and  process- 
ions. He  had  been  informed  by  ministers  of  sister 
churches,  that  these  institutions  were  robbing  the 
very  vitals  of  their  Christianity .  A  member  present 
of  talent,  piety  and  veracity,  has  withdrawn  from 
conscientious  scruples  from  one  of  these  societies, 
inconsequence  of  its  deleterious  influence.  Why 
was  this  if  it  was  a  good  institution  ? 

Bro.  Kumler  was  strongly  in  favor  of  the  resolu- 
tion .  He  would  assume  new  grounds .  His  start- 
ing point  was,  that  the  church  of  God  is  adapted  to 
the  entire  wants  of  man  everywhere  and  at  all  times 
—  in  it  dwells  the  Divine  presence  —  the  pillar  of 
cloud  by  day,  and  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night — a 
wall  on  either  hand  while  passing  through  deep 
waters  —  bread  while  traveling  through  the  wilder- 
ness —  the  covenant  between  God  and  man  —  the 
shew-bread  —  manna  —  Aaron's  budding  rod  —  and 


1849  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  335 

God's  ministry  to  reform  the  world .  In  the  church 
are  the  influences  to  convert  the  world.  But  it  was 
objected  that  the  church  had  become  corrupt.  If 
so,  the  institutions  of  Ahab  and  Jezebel  will  only 
make  it  worse .  He  went  for  the  resolution  because, 
1st,  Secret  Societies  divert  the  mind  from  the  church 
and  defeat  its  designs  (1)  in  reference  to  the  time 
demanded  in  attendance  at  the  lodges .  (2)  in  refer- 
ence to  the  money  which  must  be  expended.  (3)  in 
reference  to  stealing  away  the  affections .  He  felt 
in  this  matter  ;  it  came  near  home.  His  own  rela- 
tions were  affected  by  it.  They  used  to  be  punctual 
in  their  attendance  at  divine  worship ;  now  they 
passed  it  by  to  attend  the  lodges,  they  had  their  best 
and  strongest  affections.  His  2nd  argument  in  fa- 
vor of  the  resolution  and  against  secret  combina- 
tions, was,  they  cause  prejudices  in  the  church. 
He  supposed  a  case  :  —  He  was  the  father  of  seve- 
ral boys,  these  boys  every  day  go  into  a  secret 
chamber  at  a  particular  hour ;  my  suspicion  be- 
comes excited.  I  enquire,  "  boys,  what  are  you 
doing  in  secret  every  day  ?"  They  report,  "  noth- 
ing of  any  harm,  father."  Have  I  not  reason  to 
suspect  something  wrong  ?  But  I  see  their  enemies 
and  mine,  regularly  in  attendance  with  them,  have  I 
not  still  greater  reasons  to  fear  that  all  is  not  right  ? 
Such  is  the  case  with  members  of  the  churches  in 
connection  with  infidels  and  universalists .  There 
is  danger.  Let  us  sound  the  tocsin  of  alarm. 
These  Societies  create  an  unnatural  climate  for 
the  christian.  Remove  him  from  his  proper  cli- 
mate, and  he  cannot  grow.  It  removes  him  too  far 
north,  and  the  climate  is  too  cold.  It  makes  him 
worldly-minded,  and  we  have  too  much  of  that  spir- 
it now.  The  Bible  forbids  secret  combinations. 
They  acknowledge  they  are  not  even  auxiliaries  to 
religion,  and  yet  they  carry  the  Bible  in  their  pro- 
cessions.    What  solemn  mockery  !     In  Mohamme- 


336  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1849 

dan  countries  they  would  carry  the  Koran.  What  a 
spotted  leopard  it  is.  The  world  loves  Secret  Soci- 
eties, and  the  world  "  will  have  its  own."  Let  chris- 
tians stand  aloof. 

Bro.  Wade,  had  tried  calmly  to  weigh  the  argu- 
ments on  both  sides  ;  he  would  not  throw  a  straw  in 
the  way  of  his  opponents.  He  felt  that  it  was  a 
subject  of  thrilling  interest  to  every  good  citizen, 
and  especially  to  christians.  Was  acquainted  with 
the  by-laws  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance  ;  had  been 
a  firm  temperance  man  for  16  years,  but  had  no 
connection  with  secret  combinations.  Those  who 
charged  us  with  opposition  to  temperance,  because 
we  opposed  the  order,  were  ungenerous.  It  was 
untrue.  He  thought  there  was  more  assumed  in 
taking  the  name  than  merely  /temperance.  Secret 
Societies  had  become  very  unpopular,  and  they  had 
to  append  the  popular  phrase,  "  temperance,"  to 
draw  in  the  unsuspecting,  and  give  character  to 
their  disguised  Masonry.  The  Washingtonians  had 
in  a  great  measure,  been  instrumental  in  the  reform, 
and  the  "  Sons"  were  running  away  with  the  credit. 
It  reminded  him  of  a  prophecy  (the  original  design 
of  which  he  would  not  now  stop  to  inquire,)  in 
Isaiah  4:  1;  "  In  that  day  seven  women  shall  take 
hold  of  one  man,  saying,  we  will  eat  our  own  bread 
and  wear  our  own  apparel,  only  let  us  be  called  by 
thy  name,  to  take  away  our  reproach."  .Thus  Ma- 
sonry disguised,  proposes  to  take  the  endearing 
name  of  Temperance,  to  take  away  its  reproach. 

Bro.  Bonebrake  —  did  not  rise  with  the  hope  of 
converting  any  one,  or  to  place  anathemas  upon 
those  who  dissented  from  him.  We  had  as  good 
rules  in  favor  of  temperance  as  the  Sons.  We  pro- 
hibit the  distillation,  vending  and  use  of  ardent  spir- 
its, and  are  consequently  as  good  a  temperance 
society  as  they  —  and  better,  in  that  we  demand  no 
initiating  fee  —  we  listen  to  the  claims  of  the  aged, 


1849  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  337 

the  infirm  and  the  indigent.  Benevolence  was  a 
heavenly  word  —  it  was  an  unoriginated  attribute 
of  God.  Their  benevolence  was  not  the  benevo- 
lence of  the  Bible.  It  goes  no  farther  than  their 
own  fraternity.  It  conflicts  with  the  requirements  of 
our  holy  religion,  and  therefore  no  follower  of  the 
meek  and  lowly  Jesus,  who  was  benevolence  itself, 
should  stand  in  connection  with  them. 

Bro.  Chittenden  —  was  opposed  to  admitting 
members  of  secret  orders  into  the  church,  from  sev- 
eral considerations  ;  one  of  the  principal  of  which 
was,  that  it  was  a  species  of  infidelity.  By  joining 
them  we  tacitly  admit  that  the  church  is  incompe- 
tent to  our  reform  and  safety ;  —  this  implies  fallibil- 
ity of  the  precepts  of  religion,  and  consequently  ap- 
proximates infidelity. 

Bro.  Montgomery  —  had  no  fears  of  the  result  of 
an  investigation  of  the  subject.  Good  had  already 
been  done  by  the  discussion,  and  he  was  willing  to 
add  his  mite.  He  was  astonished  to  hear  a  mem- 
ber from  the  other  side  of  the  house  say,  "  he  would 
receive  a  Mason  into  the  church!"  The  resolution 
was  the  very  spirit  of  United  Brethrenism.  We 
were  told  that  we  had  no  right  to  legislate  in  the 
matter.  It  was  immoral  in  its  tendency,  and  there- 
it  was  our  imperious  duty  to  keep  it  out  of  the 
church.  He  had  the  admissions  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Howe,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  who  was  a  Son  of 
Temperance  and  a  Mason,  that  they  come  in  con- 
tact with  his  religion.  As  a  scriptural  evidence 
against  secret  societies,  he  quoted  Ephesians  5th 
chapter,  11th  and  12th  verses: —  "  Have  no  fellow- 
ship with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness,  but  rath- 
er reprove  them  ;  for  it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of 
those  things  which  are  done  of  them  in  secret." 
Doctor  Clarke  says,  "  it  was  a  secret  society  into 
which  members  were  admitted  by  a  pledge."  They 
claim  benevolence  as  one  of  their  cardinal  principles. 

23 


338  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1849 

Let  us  see.  This  is  a  gospel  requirement.  The 
Good  Samaritan  attended  to  the  case  of  the  neces- 
sitous, while  the  proud  Priest  and  Levite  passed  by 
on  the  other  side.  Whether  the  Priest  and  Levite 
belonged  to  a  secret  association,  he  would  not  pre- 
tend to  say,  but  perhaps  the  invalid  was  poor,  and 
had  failed  to  pay  his  weekly  dues.  The  benevolence 
of  the  Sons  lasts  only  while  the  money  lasts. 

Bro.  Ferrel  had  not  intended  saying  anything,  but 
he  wanted  his  constituency  to  know  that  he  had  lift- 
ed his  warning  voice  in  favor  of  the  resolution  and 
against  the  admission  of  secret  combinations. 

[  The  balance  of  Bro.  Fen-el's  speech,  the  reporter  did 
not  hear,  being  necessarily  absent.] 

Bro.  Davis  —  conceived  that  the  resolution  would 
not  change  the  discipline  in  its  present  form,  as  it 
now  prohibited  all  secret  associations  —  it  only  add- 
ed a  clause  of  merciful  dealings  with  offenders. 
The  assertion  that  the  "  Sons"  were  instrumental 
in  reforming  those  who  were  beyond  the  reach  of 
other  institutions,  was  untrue.  When  he  traveled 
in  this  (Montgomery,)  county,  he  became  acquaint- 
ed with  an  inebriate  whose  age  precluded  him  from 
joining  the  order.  He  used  means  for  his  reforma- 
tion, and  by  the  blessing  of  God  it  was  accomplish- 
ed. The  resolution  was  on  gospel  ground.  Peter 
says,  "  No  prophecy  of  the  scripture  is  of  private 
interpretation."  This  refers  to  the  scriptural  in- 
struction. The  "  order"  conflicts  with  God's  na- 
ture. The  Bible  says  "God  is  light;"  and  the 
apostle  says,  "  whatsoever  makes  manifest  is  light." 
This  "  Order"  is  darkness,  and  conflicts  with  the  na- 
ture of  God.  We  are  told  that  we  know  nothing 
about  them.  Strange  indeed!  We  have  their  Con- 
stitution and  By-laws,  and  to  say  we  know  nothing 
of  them,  is  to  say  that  these  works  are  untrue. 

Bro  Spayth  would  vote  for  the  resolution,  al- 
though he  did  not  approbate  much  that  had  been 


1849  THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST.  339 

said  on  the  affirmative.  He  would  have  preferred 
leaving  the  discipline  as  it  is,  four  years  longer.  The 
lever  was  working  admirably.  He  feared  that  the 
zeal  of  some  would  furnish  the  intemperate  with 
weapons.  He  could  vote  for  the  resolution  because 
it  recommended  mercy  to  the  offender. 

Bro.  Edwards  thought  enough  had  been  said. 
His  views  had  already  obtained  publicity  through 
another  medium.  He  had  heard  nothing  from  any 
member  that  would  militate  against  the  temperance 
cause,  and  would  go  in  favor  of  the  adoption  of  the 
resolution. 

Bro.  Markwood  —  once  more  in  the  struggle  of 
the  contest  having  obtained  the  floor,  said,  that  he 
had  with  breathless  anxiety  waited  to  find  himself 
convinced,  by  some  at  least,  of  all  the  things  which 
were  being  said  as  in  his  position  taken,  and  defend- 
ed in  his  first  speech,  but  up  to  the  present  time,  he 
remained  where  he  had  been  from  the  beginning  of 
this  discussion.  He  thought  that  the  arguments  il- 
lustrative, and  of  other  character,  produced  from 
the  sacred  Scriptures,  were  wholly  irrelevant ;  and 
the  effort  entirely  failing  in  the  use  of  the  Scrip- 
tures what  remained  as  to  the  other  argument,  it  pre- 
tended to  say  what  he  thought  was  not  known  at  all. 
Here  he  produced  facts  in  his  possession,  to  show 
the  truth  of  his  last  assertion.  Being  told  that  his 
time  was  about  expired,  he  hastened  to  a  close. 

Bro.  Rhinehart  thought  many  of  the  remarks  were 
uncalled  for.  We  have  some  among  us  whom  we 
believe  are  pious,  and  would  it  be  justice  to  turn 
those  persons  out  of  the  ehurch.  If  there  was  a 
bad  bargain,  it  was  when  they  were  taken  into  the 
church.  Offenses  must  come  —  they  had  come  — 
but  wo  unto  that  man  by  whom  they  come.  The 
resolution  was  ambiguous  ;  it  says  a  "  reasonable 
time"  What  shall  we  understand  by  a  reasonable 
time  ?     It  reminded   him  of  the  trial  of   "  Scotch 


340  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1849 

John,"  who  had  been  apprehended  on  a  certain 
charge ;  and  was  privileged  to  choose  his  own 
Judges  at  his  trial.  He  chose  Abraham,  Isaac  and 
Jacob.  "  You  are  a  fool"  said  his  accuser ;  "  we 
shall  never  see  them  till  the  day  of  judgment." 
"  This  is  the  very  time"  returned  John,  "  when  I 
want  to  be  tried."  He  asked  the  privilege  to  assume 
a  neutral  position  to  the  resolution. 

Bro.  Erb.  —  The  offense  came  by  the  Sons  of 
Temperance,  if  an  offense  there  was.  We  had  been 
in  opposition  to  secrecy  before  the  organization  of 
the  Order,  and  if  they  had  given  the  offense,  by 
joining  us,  and  would  not  retract,  hang  the  mill- 
stone about  their  necks. 

Bro.  Bechtel.  —  We  shall  be  voted  down  ;  but  let 
us  struggle  a  little  before  we  die,  or  are  drowned. 
He  was  still  unconvinced.  The  remarks  made  he 
conceived  foreign  to  the  subject ;  the  scripture  quo- 
tations were  inapplicable.  The  Sons  of  Temper- 
ance had  done  great  good  in  Virginia,  and  been  the 
means  of  making  sober  men  and  christians.  The 
passage  of  the  resolution  would  ruin  the  church  in 
Virginia. 

Bro.  Hoobler  thought  one  society  was  enough  to 
belong  to  at  a  time.  If  he  was  not  satisfied  with 
the  rules  and  usages  of  the  church,  he  would  leave 
it.  It  had  been  urged  in  favor  of  Secret  Orders,  that 
they  would  not  let  their  members  go  to  the  poor- 
house.  Twenty-eight  years  experience  had  con- 
vinced him  that  no  real  United  Brother  had  become 
the  tenant  of  a  poor-house. 

Bro.  Miller  said  the  Ladies  had  been  appealed  to 
aid  in  the  Temperance  reformation.  This  could  be 
done  by  becoming  "  Washingtonians,"  with  as  much 
success  as  by  becoming  daughters.  Christ  was  our 
example.  Would  he,  if  now  upon  earth,  put  on  the 
regalia,  and  march  in  all  their  processions  of  music 
and  tom-foolery  ? 


1849  THE    UNITED    BRETHBEN    IN    CHRIST.  341 

Bro.  Roop  thought  no  one  under  the  influence  of 
Divine  grace  would  join  a  secret  association.  The 
Scriptures  say,  "the  spider  taketh  hold  with  her 
hands,  and  is  in  king's  palaces."  Why  was  the  spi- 
der there  ?  He  supposed  to  catch  flies.  It  catches 
the  fly —  sucks  the  blood  —  and  lets  the  shell  hang. 
So  do  the  "  Sons  of  Temperance"  serve  the  true 
temperance  cause.  They  catch  the  unwary  temper- 
ance man  —  get  his  money  —  his  influence — and 
his  energy,  and  let  the  true  temperance  cause  suffer 
for  the  want  of  them. 

Bro.  Resler  said  much  credit  had  been  awarded 
Secret  combinations,  because  they  would  not  suffer 
their  poor  to  go  to  the  poor-house.  No  wonder  they 
did  not.  That  poor  man  had  paid  in  the  money, 
and  it  would  be  unparalleled  barbarity.  Rut  if 
their  benevolence  ever  reached  beyond  their  order, 
it  did  so  unconstitutionally.  A  member  from  Vir- 
ginia feared  the  ruin  of  the  church.  He  believed 
there  would  be  twice  as  much  gain  numerically,  as 
loss. 

Bro.  Burtner  assigned  as  a  reason  why  so  many 
of  the  Virginia  brethren  were  connected  with  the 
Secret  Orders,  that  a  resolution  upon  that  subject, 
had  been  indefinitely  postponed  by  the  Virginia 
Conference,  and  this  opened  the  doors  wide,  and 
they  flocked  in  like  blackbirds  into  a  swamp. 

Bros.  Witt  and  Edwards  each  made  some  very 
appropriate  remarks  in  favor  of  the  resolution ;  but 
the  reporter's  energies  failed  through  lassitude  to 
dot  them  down.  And  having  given  the  reader  a 
pretty  fair  sketch  he  will  close  the  remarks  of  this 
day,  by  giving  the  vote  upon  the  final  passage  of 
the  resolution  : 

Yeas  —  Russel,  Hanby,  Pefflv,  Roop,  Gingerich,  Erb, 
Miller,  Fohl,  Resler,  Beighel,"  Stewart,  Wade,  Todd, 
Spracklin,  Spayth,  Bright,  Montgomery,  Edwards,  Am- 
brose,   Davis,    Kumler,    Bonebrake,     Chittenden,    Lopp, 


342  HISTORY    OF    THE    CHURCH  OF  1849 

Richardson,    Stover,    Witt,    Thomas,    Hershey,    Lamb, 
Griffith,   Hoobler  and  Terrel— 33. 

Nays  —  Markwood  and   Bechtel  —  2. 

Neutral  —  Burtner  and  Rhinehart — 2. 

A  resolution  was  brought  up,  which  re-affirmed 
the  doctrine  of  the  Church  against  Slavery,  which 
passed  by  a  majority  of  24  to  7. 

After  twelve  days  session,  the  Conference  in  the 
afternoon  of  May  26th,  1849,  adjourned  with  much 
good  feeling,  and  kind  regard  towards  each  other. 

Ten  Annual  Conferences  were  held  in  the  fall  of 
this  year. 

Iowa  met  August  23d  ;  Illinois,  August  30th ; 
Wabash,  September  13th  ;  Indiana,  September  27th; 
and  Miami,  October  11th.  Bishop  Edwards  presid- 
ed at  the  above  Conferences. 

White  River  met  September  13th ;  St.  Joseph, 
September  27th  ;  Sandusky,  October  5th  :  Scioto, 
October  17th;  and  Muskingum,  November  1st. 
Bishop  Glossbrenner  presided  at  all  of  them. 

Benjamin  Kiger  of  Illinois,  H.  Thurston  of  St. 
Joseph  ;  George  Brown  of  the  Wabash  ;  Frederick 
Bonebrake,  A,  Lambert  and  John  Hoffman  of  Mi- 
ami ;  E.  Timmons,  W.  H.  A.  Trip  of  Scioto,  and  J. 
Naville  and  S.  Cook  of  the  Muskingum  Conferences, 
died. 

During  this  and  the  previous  year,  the  work  ex 
tended  to  a  very  interesting  extent  in  Michigan, 
through  the  labors  of  the  preachers  of  the  Sandus- 
ky Conference.  Some  four  missions  were  located 
in  the  State,  and  a  Presiding  Elder  district  set  off. 
The  Sandusky  Conference  sustains  some  eight  mis- 


1849 


THE    UNITED    BRETHREN    IN    CHRIST. 


343 


sionaries    within  its   own  bounds,  and  sends    one- 
fourth    of    all    missionary    collections  to  the    Far 

West. 

STATISTICS  OF   1849. 

CONFERENCES.       PREACHERS.    CIRCUITS.*    CLASSES.    MEMBERS. 

Allegheny, 45  16  2186 

Virginia,.  . , 37  11 

East  Pa., 45  13  101  2301 

Pennsylvania,  .  .  .48  14 

Iowa, 25  8  45  519 

White  River, 35  12  122  2748 

Wabash, 45  11  91  2240 

Indiana, 38  13  89  2458 

Sandusky, 67  22  293  4157 

St.  Joseph, 31  10  81  1589 

Miami, 93  22  168  4313 

Scioto, 71  26  234  5819 

Illinois, 38  13  76  1441 

Muskingum, 61  28  167  4300 

Total, 679  219         1,467      34,071 

We  have  made  use  of  every  effort,  to  get  faithful 
reports  of  the  statistics  of  the  fifteen  Annual  Con- 
ferences, but  have  failed  in  some  instances  as  will 
be  seen  above  ;  and  some  of  the  reports  are  for  1849, 
others  for  1850,  and  the  two  Eastern  Conferences 
for  1851. 

From  the  above,  it  will  doubtless  be  seen,  that 
the  supposed  number  of  members  in  the  Brethren 
Church,  has  been  heretofore  rated  too  high  alto- 
gether. In  an  article  published  in  the  "  He  Passa 
Ecclcsia"  the    supposed  number  was  set  down  at. 

*  Including  stations  and  missions. 


344  HISTOEY    OF    THE    CHURCH    OF  1849 

65,000.  This  was  a  supposition  of  our  own,  and 
proves  to  be  incorrect ;  and  it  is  due  to  the  public, 
to  correct  that  error  as  far  as  possible.  Of  the 
Virginia  and  Pennsylvania  Conferences,  no  reports 
have  been  received.  Should  these  two  Conferences 
contain  anything  like  a  fair  proportion  of  member- 
ship, considering  their  age  and  extent  of  territory, 
we  may  be  safe  in  setting  down  the  whole  number 
of  members  at  forty  thousand.  This  of  course  in- 
cludes the  communicants  of  the  Church  only ;  no 
account  is  taken  of  children,  or  those  who  are  regu- 
lar attendants  of  Brethren  preaching,  all  of  whom 
are  numbered  by  some  other  branches  of  the  chris- 
tian Church. 

At  the  commencement  of  part  second,  it  was  an- 
ticipated to  sketch  the  history  of  the  Church 
up  to  the  close  of  1850.  But  this  for  reasons 
beyond  the  control  of  the  author,  cannot  be  done 
We  are  now  some  twenty  four  pages  beyond 
the  number  anticipated  at  the  commencement 
of  the  work,  and  must  therefore  close  with  the  year 
1849. 

It  is  but  just  to  remark,  that  the  history  of  a  peo- 
ple spreading  out  as  the  Brethren  have  done,  to  be 
given  in  detail  for  twenty-five  years,  cannot  be  com 
pressed  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  pages ;  a 
mere  sketch  is  all  that  could  be  expected.  In  view 
of  the  time  and  space  allotted  to  part  second,  we 
have  done  the  very  best  we  could,  and  hope  that 
with  all  its  faults,  our  humble  efforts  will  be  appre- 
ciated by  the  true  friends  of  the  Church. 


/ 


SlilfK. 


— 

HHupi  !,mj 


